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Why It Can Be So Difficult
To Get An Autism Diagnosis
By Rachel Evans
An autism diagnosis can still be difficult to obtain despite the
studies that have helped people better understand autism. The reason is because there
are many factors that need to be considered when making a diagnosis.
First of all,
there is more than one type of autism disorder and there are other disabilities that
are closely related to autism such as Asperger’s Syndrome and Pervasive Development
Disorder-
Second, autism is particularly difficult to diagnose in young children, due to the
fact that they are still developing speech and reasoning skills.
Therefore, since
an autism diagnosis can be a challenge, as a parent, it is essential that you have
your child’s development, social and communication skills properly evaluated and
accessed by a doctor.
How is autism diagnosed? Usually an autism diagnosis is made
when a person shows signs of 6 or more of 12 specific symptoms characteristic of
the disorder. The 12 main symptoms are focused in three primary areas –
1. Social
interaction – Autistics generally have little interest in others and pay little or
no attention to those who may be present in the room with them, regardless of their
age. They do not seek comfort if they are troubled or hurt and prefer to be on their
own.
On the other hand, autistics that do show an interest in social interaction have
difficulty initiating contact with others and developing friendships. It is also
common for an autistic to avoid eye contact.
2. Behavior – Most autistics find change
and new situations to be incredibly stressful. In addition, they tend to develop
unusual rituals or routines and repetitious physical gestures such as rocking back
and forth, flapping the hands, etc.
3. Communication – It is estimated that 50% of
those diagnosed with autism are unable to develop speech, and those who do cannot
engage in long conversations unless they are based on extremely specific topics insisted
upon by the autistic. Autistics often tend to echo words or phrases and have difficulty
with pitch and changing the inflection of their tone.
There should be at least 2
symptoms present from social interaction, and at least one symptom from both behavior
and communication for an autism diagnosis to be made. Hence, if a person exhibits
some of the symptoms, but does not meet the criteria for an autism disorder, they
may then be diagnosed with another similar disability such as Asperger’s syndrome
or PDD-
Get More Information on Natural Remedies for Autism and other PDDs
The following are 5 tips parents can keep in mind when talking with a health care
provider to ensure their child receives a proper evaluation:
1. Find out everything
there is to known about autism – In order to talk to doctors and receive the most
effective evaluation of your child, you need to educate yourself about autism and
know what to ask. You should never seek an autism diagnosis if you have no idea what
the condition is all about. This will make it easier for a doctor to generate a wrong
diagnosis.
2. Analyze your child’s behaviour – Based on the information regarding
social interaction, behaviour and communication above, carefully analyze and make
note of your child’s behaviour in a journal. Study how your child interacts with
others and present your findings to the doctor.
3. Find a health care professional
who is experienced with autism diagnosis – It is important to find someone who has
had experience in autism diagnosis. You should not rely on the advice or diagnosis
of a doctor who is not specialized in this field. The best way to find a doctor is
to locate a local support group and find out what doctors other parents take their
autistic children to.
4. Ask questions – Asking and answering questions is part of
effective evaluation. The more information you obtain and the more detailed answers
you can provide your doctor about your child’s behaviour helps assist in diagnosis.
5. Get a second opinion – If you don’t agree with a doctor’s opinion or want more
assurance, don’t be afraid to question the doctor’s diagnosis or treatment recommendations,
and seek the advice of another health care provider. Doctors are human beings, and
can be wrong. Consulting with other doctors is not a bad idea.
Keep in mind that
evaluation and assessment is not a fast process and is ongoing, even after an autism
diagnosis is determined.
About the author -