The diagnostic evaluation may be conducted by:
Commonly a multidisciplinary team will include a paediatrician (or child and adolescent psychiatrist), a psychologist and a speech pathologist, but other health professionals may provide input if required.
A single health professional may be able to diagnose a child with obvious signs of autism. A team approach is necessary for children with less clear symptoms or who have other conditions that make the diagnosis more complicated.
The guideline recommends the following steps to diagnosis:
- Assessment of function: a health professional will ask you and/or your child questions about their thinking and learning, speech and language, daily living skills, friendships and school. This will assess their abilities and any support needs they have and identify if they have any developmental delays.
- Medical assessment: a doctor will examine your child and conduct tests to see if there could be a medical cause for their developmental delays.
- Diagnostic assessment: this step is necessary only if doctors can’t find another cause for your child’s behaviour. You and your child will be interviewed and your child will be observed for signs of autism. You can read more about what’s involved here.
