What it is and what the process looks like

Has your child shown some of the tell-tale signs of autism? Then you or your child’s doctor may have requested an autism screening. But what is an autism screening? Is there a medical test that can determine if my child has autism?

Not quite; autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can sometimes be challenging to diagnose because there is no medical test (MRI, blood test, etc.) that will tell you if a person has autism. Doctors look at the person’s behavior and developmental history to make a diagnosis. 

So what is an autism screening?

An autism screening is administered by a pediatrician or a child's medical team member. Screening can be completed upon caregiver request or during a routine child checkup.

What does a doctor do during an autism screening?

• Observe the child
• Ask you questions about behaviors, language, and independent play skills.
• Ask about social interactions and behaviors while interacting with other children on the playground.

Wait, do all children get screened for autism?

They should! The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that autism screenings should be part of the standard 18 and 24-month well-child checkups. That means that any child going to well-child checkups would formally be screened for autism whether they are exhibiting symptoms or not. This is extraordinarily helpful in identifying children with developmental and behavioral challenges early. When you catch the signs early, you can begin treatment quicker. For universal screening to be effective, it should be applied to all children – with or without symptoms.

What tools can your doctor or provider choose to screen for ASD?

A few different tools and assessments commonly used during autism screenings are: 

• Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers – Revised with follow-up (M-CHAT-R/F)
• Ages and Stages Questionnaires SE-2 (ASQ-SE2)
• Communication and Symbolic Behavior Scales (CSBS)
• Pervasive Developmental Disorders Screening Test-II (PDDST-II)

Is a screening a diagnosis?

Nope! An autism screening does not supply a diagnosis of autism. An autism screening is a tool used to screen for the possibility of autism and other developmental disorders. 

What do I do if the screener suggests that my child may have a greater chance of having autism?

If the screening suggests a higher risk of autism, then speak with your child's healthcare provider about getting a full evaluation. 

Who can complete a formal autism evaluation?

You can complete a formal autism evaluation from a qualified medical specialist such as:

• Neurologist
• Behavior pediatrician
• Psychiatrist

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

• How to Tell if Your Child Has Autism (And Important Next Steps)
• What Causes Autism?
• Diagnosing Autism
• Learn the Signs. Act Early (CDC.gov)

Let’s continue the conversation…

Here at the LMAA, we provide you with tons of resources for autism. For more insight into autism interventions and professional and parent supports, visit our sister site, Behaviorally Balanced.