During routine check up, your pediatrician may screen your child for possible signs of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) most especially if you notice something on your child and not developing on time. At first, the pediatrician will observe the child how it giggles and will try regain attention during conversation. The pediatrician also see if the child will be able to respond to his own name and points or waves. He also ask for family history, medical examination and parental perspective in helping identify at risk for autism.
The earlier the screening of autism is made, the earlier needed intervention can begin. There are many evidence that early intervention may results to improved outcome. If your child is positive on screening ASD, it does not mean that your child will be diagnosed on the spectrum. Screening test are just screening and do not identify all children with ASD. It is a combination of health and family history to identify children at risk of autism. Some children may have only Global Development Delay instead of ASD.
Your pediatrician may order your child to be evaluate by Behavioral and Developmental Pediatrics if he suspected that your child is on the spectrum. During evaluation, the Developmental Pediatrician will observe your child and ask how your child’s social interaction, communication skills and behavior that developed and changed over time. He may also give your child a test that covers speech, language and developmental level and score the performance. Other test recommended is genetic testing to identify whether a child has a genetic disorder.
The Developmental Pediatrician may suggest and advise to have early intervention such as occupational therapy and speech therapy if a child is positive for autism.