How and When is Autism Diagnosed?

Learning that your child has a disorder of any kind can be overwhelming. And nowadays, with limitless information on the internet, any milestone missed may send you into a frenzy of searching. Therefore, it’s essential to know where to look for accurate information so that you can find the proper support for your child and yourself. According to the CDC, approximately “1 in 6 U.S. children aged 2–8 years (17.4%) had a diagnosed mental, behavioral, or developmental disorder.”

It’s hard enough being a parent, not knowing if what your child is doing is considered “on-level” for his age group. Throw in the concern of a disorder diagnosis, and it feels like you’re being pulled into an overwhelming whirlwind of concern. Given the importance of an early Autism diagnosis for children affected by the disorder, it’s best to know the signs to look for and when a child can be tested for autism. 

What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?

It goes by many names. ASD, Aspergers, Autistic, On the Spectrum… and the fact that this disorder has so many names is very fitting because Autism presents itself in many different ways.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a disability in the brain’s functioning. It is classified as a spectrum disorder because of the wide variety of ways it presents itself. People diagnosed with ASD may communicate and interact with others differently. They also may learn differently from their peers.

Common signs of ASD are:

• Avoiding eye contact
• Uses few or no facial expressions or gestures
• Shows little interest in peers
• Shows repetitive behaviors
• Presents development delays

This is a shortlist, and someone with Autism may show one or all of these. 

When Can Autism Be Diagnosed?

A common question that parents ask is when can a child be tested for autism. The earliest signs of Autism are the absence of expected behaviors. This is why it is so important to schedule your child’s well checkups. It’s there that you can ensure your child is growing and developing as expected.

An experienced professional can diagnose ASD in toddlers as young as 18 to 24 months. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends developmental and behavioral screening for all children during routine well-child visits at 9, 18, and 30 months. In addition, AAP recommends that all children be screened for ASD during regular well-child visits at 18 and 24 months.

How is Autism Diagnosed?

Wherever your child falls on the spectrum, getting an autism diagnosis is a two-stage process, and it starts with your pediatrician. The diagnosis of Autism is not a simple mouth swab or blood test. The diagnosis is based on behavioral symptoms.

The first part of a diagnosis usually happens during a regular well-child visit with a verified screening. The doctor will then refer your child for a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation if necessary. When autism can be diagnosed, your pediatrician will be the first medical professional to report it and refer you to a professional who specializes in behavioral disorders.

Autism Diagnosis Checklist

Below are signs your doctor is checking for at each well-visit (taken from the CDC website):

At 9 months, talk to your child’s doctor if your child:

• Doesn’t bear weight on legs with support
• Doesn’t sit with help
• Doesn’t babble (“mama”, “baba”, “dada”)
• Doesn’t play any games involving back-and-forth play
• Doesn’t respond to their own name
• Doesn’t seem to recognize familiar people
• Doesn’t look where you point
• Doesn’t transfer toys from one hand to the other

At 18 months, talk to your child’s doctor if your child:

• Doesn’t point to show things to others
• Can’t walk
• Doesn’t know what familiar things are for
• Doesn’t copy others
• Doesn’t gain new words
• Doesn’t have at least 6 words
• Doesn’t notice or mind when a caregiver leaves or returns
• Loses skills he once had

At 24 months, talk to your child’s doctor if your child:

• Doesn’t use 2-word phrases (for example, “drink milk”)
• Doesn’t know what to do with common things, like a brush, phone, fork, or spoon
• Doesn’t copy actions and words
• Doesn’t follow simple instructions
• Doesn’t walk steadily
• Loses skills she once had

It’s important to note that delays can be due to other factors involved. If you have any concerns, please call your pediatrician’s office or write your questions down for your next visit.

Don’t Wait for a Formal Diagnosis

Research shows that early diagnosis and intervention can provide the best outcomes. If you feel like your child is not developing similarly to his or her peers, it’s essential to bring it up with your child’s pediatrician. You may also want to complete the online autism screener and discuss the results and your concerns with your child’s healthcare provider.

You don’t need to wait for a diagnosis of Autism to receive services to address developmental delays. You can access these services free of charge through your state’s Early Intervention program (ages birth-3) or your school district’s Special Education Office (ages 3-21).

Early intervention provides your child with even more personalized assistance in the classroom and helps continue nurturing his or her growth, rather than leaving him or her feeling frustrated by limited support.

Navigating an Autism Diagnosis with Local Support

If your child has received an Autism diagnosis, read our blog, Your Child Has Been Diagnosed With Autism – Now What? and check out our Parent Resources. At Autism Learning Collaborative, we are here to answer any of your questions, and you can reach out to us at any time.

As providers of ABA therapy services in St. Louis, Albuquerque and Omaha, we know the ins and outs of all things Autism, from diagnosis to the day-to-day routine of caring for a child with ASD. Whether through in-home therapy, center-based therapy, or school-based therapy, let our experience guide you to giving your child the best care they can receive.

Frequently Asked Questions About an Autism Diagnosis

At what age can a professional diagnose autism?

While many children are not formally diagnosed until age 3 or 5, an experienced professional can often provide a reliable ASD diagnosis in toddlers as young as 18 to 24 months.

How common is an Autism diagnosis?

In 2021, the CDC reported that approximately 1 in 44 children in the U.S. is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD), according to 2018 data.

Is there a specific medical test or blood test for ASD?

The diagnosis of autism is not a simple mouth swab or blood test; rather, it is determined by a medical professional’s careful observation of behavioral symptoms.

Do I have to wait for a formal diagnosis to start therapy or services?

You do not need a formal diagnosis of autism to receive services for developmental delays. You can access support free of charge through your state’s Early Intervention program or your local school district.

Where can my child get diagnosed with autism?

The diagnostic journey begins with your pediatrician for an initial screening; if necessary, they will refer you to a specialist, such as a developmental pediatrician, child psychologist, pediatric neurologist, or a specialized behavioral health center for a comprehensive evaluation.

What is the first step I should take if I have concerns?

The best first step is to schedule a well-child visit with your pediatrician to discuss your observations. You may also find it helpful to complete an online autism screener beforehand; having those results ready can help guide the conversation and ensure your concerns are addressed clearly.