By: Robin Blitz, MD, FAAP & Sara Swoboda, MD, FAAP
It would be so much easier if autism could be diagnosed with a blood test or an x-ray, but
it's not that simple.
A diagnosis of autism is ultimately made based on several factors. These include your description of your child's development, plus careful observations of certain behaviors by your pediatrician, autism experts, medical tests and your child's history.
Why ALL children should be screened for autism
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends all children be screened for autism at their
18- and
24-month well-child checkup. We also recommend that all children have regular developmental screening to check for differences or delays in areas such as language/speech, gross motor, fine motor and social-emotional development.
We know that early diagnosis of autism is good for children and families. You can start to get the support your child needs sooner and better understand how your child thinks and communicates.
If you have concerns or questions about how your child is developing, it is OK to ask your doctor about what screening your child has had. They can discuss with you what the measures show. You can also access information and tools to monitor your own child's development
through the CDC. Additional resources and supports are available through organizations such as your state or jurisdiction
Family to Family Health Information Center.
Partnering with your child's pediatrician
Early diagnosis of autism requires a partnership between parents and pediatricians.
Within this partnership, you should feel comfortable bringing up anything you are noticing about your child's behavior or development—the way your child plays, learns, speaks and acts.
Sharing what you've observed
Likewise, the pediatrician's role in the partnership is to listen and act on your observations and concerns. If you feel you are not being heard or your concerns are not being taken seriously, get a second opinion. HealthyChildren.org also offers resources to help you
find another pediatrician who is a member of AAP.
Asking & answering questions
During your child's visits, the pediatrician may ask specific questions or
complete a questionnaire about your child's development. Pediatricians take these steps because they understand the value of early diagnosis and services. They also know where to refer you for further assessment and support. The importance of this partnership cannot be stressed enough.
Behavioral testing
If your child is showing features of autism, your pediatrician can help you get further testing. An autism diagnosis generally requires specific behavioral testing and observations. It also involves getting lots of information from your family about your child.
Primary care pediatricians can diagnose autism, or your pediatrician may refer you to a developmental pediatrician, child psychologist, or other autism specialist to complete testing.
If your child receives an autism diagnosis
Finding support & making a plan
Learning your child has autism may be different than what you expected on your parenting journey. The process of getting a diagnosis and making a plan for your child can be stressful.
Families will have different reactions to a new diagnosis. It's helpful to remember tht while an autism diagnosis can help you better understand your child's strengths and challenges, they are the same awesome person they were before you knew they were autistic.
It is also important to recognize your feelings and get the support you need for yourself as well as your child. It is common to worry about the future, including how your child will fit into the world and their community. Remember there are many resources and places for you to find parenting support
Your child's future
Autism is a spectrum, so many children will make significant developmental progress over time. Autistic children also have their own unique ways of experiencing the world. Many parents find that they learn new ways of thinking from raising a child with autism.
Autistic people can have meaningful relationships with family and peers. Some people with autism need a high level of support to go to school, stay safe or complete daily tasks. Other autistic people do well in school with little support and live independently as adults.
It can be hard to predict how an individual child will develop. This sense of the unknown can also be stressful for parents. What is certain is that autistic children thrive when they are given appropriate support and opportunities.
More information
About Dr. Blitz
Robin K. Blitz, MD, FAAP is a board-certified developmental pediatrician and a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and Society for Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics. For 30 years, Dr. Blitz provided care for children with special health care needs, educated providers, students and families and directed patient-centered programs such as the Down syndrome clinic at Phoenix Children’s Hospital prior to joining UnitedHealthcare (UHC). She serves as medical director with the Special Needs Initiative (SNI)/Family Engagement Center of UHC. Dr. Blitz has served in organizations and committees, locally and nationally, including the AAP Council on Children with Disabilities and Autism Subcommittee, the Bureau of Indian Education Advisory Board for Exceptional Children, among others.
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About Dr. Swoboda
Sara Swoboda, MD, FAAP, is a primary care pediatrician and member of the AAP Council on Children with Disabilities. Her clinical and advocacy work emphasize supporting autistic youth and their families to thrive.
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