When you first noticed your loved one behaving in an unexpected way, you may have decided to wait and see. You may have thought, “Children go through phases. They’ll grow out of it.” But the behaviors persisted. Today you may find yourself wondering: “is it autism?”

You may be worried, confused, or hopeful that you’ll find a diagnosis for your child’s symptoms. Whatever you’re feeling, something brought you to this page. The best thing you can do is find the answer to your question. If it is autism, appropriate support can make a huge difference in your child’s life.

What Is Autism?

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder with symptoms that appear within the first three years of life. Most children with autism look like other kids but they act and interact in ways that feel different from the behaviors of other children. When interacting with others, they may respond in unexpected ways, or they may not interact at all.

Autism is a spectrum disorder, which means that it appears in a range of forms and levels of severity. Some individuals develop typical capabilities in terms of speech and language – and develop exceptional skills – but struggle with lifelong social and behavioral differences. Others may have challenges in communication, sensory sensitivities, and behavioral issues, such as excessive tantrums, repetitive behaviors, aggression, and self-harm. The good news is that appropriate treatments can improve outcomes for many, if not most, people diagnosed with ASD.

How Common Is It?

For many years a diagnosis of autism was rare, occurring in just 1 child out of 2,000. However, since the mid-1980s, the rate of autism has increased dramatically around the world. In March 2020, the US Federal Centers for Disease Control announced that 1 in every 54 children in the United States is affected by autism. Autism is more likely to affect boys than girls, but children of all genders have been diagnosed with ASD.

What are the Signs of Autism?

Many signs can indicate that an individual may be affected by an ASD. Keep in mind that every person diagnosed with autism is different. Some have several signs and symptoms, while others experience only a few.
Common early signs include:
  • Delayed speech or difficulty communicating
  • Poor eye contact
  • Little or no imaginative play
  • No joint attention – not looking in the same direction as others
  • Showing limited interest in other people
  • Highly emotional responses to changes in routine
The DSM-5, the standard reference used by most healthcare providers, includes a full list of autism diagnostic criteria. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should ask your loved one’s physician to perform an autism screening.

Where Can I Get Autism Screening?

Early intervention can make a big difference for children with autism and screening during the first three years of life is increasingly becoming the standard of care. In 2016, a study from the American Academy of Pediatrics found that 81% of pediatricians “always” or “almost always” use formal tools to screen for autism in children under 36 months old.
There are no genetic, blood, or other laboratory tests that can confirm an autism diagnosis. Instead, medical providers use observation and standardized behavioral evaluation to identify children at risk for an ASD.

Common autism screening tools include:

  • ARI’s Diagnostic Checklist, Form E-2 – Dr. Bernard Rimland, developed this tool to diagnose children with a subtype of autism called Kanner’s syndrome or ‘classical autism’. You can print and complete the checklist and then mail it to ARI for scoring. Our staff will then analyze the responses and send you a score along with an interpretation at no charge.
  • The Ages and Stages Questionnaire – used by healthcare professionals and early childhood educators to assess development progress in children between one month and 5.5 years of age.
  • The Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers a simple validated screening tool developed in the UK and widely used at 18-month check-ups.
The American Academy of Pediatrics encourages all pediatricians to screen for ASD when children are as young as 18-months. If you have concerns about your child’s symptoms or behavior, ask your medical provider to perform an autism screening. Specialists like developmental pediatricians and clinical psychologists are also trained in diagnosing ASD. If necessary, you can contact your state’s early intervention program and ask for an evaluation.
Getting a diagnosis is the first step toward treating autism in your child. Early intervention can improve quality of life for children across the spectrum. Talk to your medical provider today if you have any concerns.

What should I do next?

When preparing to talk to your medical provider, you may want to first fill out the Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC). The ATEC is one of the most widely used assessment tools in the autism community. Although it is not a diagnostic test for autism, this checklist is designed to monitor how an individual progresses over time and to track the efficacy of treatment. Completing the ATEC can give you a good understanding of your child’s current symptoms to discuss with your medical provider.

Take the ATEC

Learn more about:

  •  Advice for Parents – For parents of newly diagnosed individuals and parents of young children who want to learn more about the underlying issues associated with ASDs
  •  Dealing with Parental Stress – Caring for a loved one diagnosed with ASD may require extra support. Find helpful webinars with guidance for navigating challenges parents confront
  •  Minimizing Risk – While the specific causes of ASD are not well understood, research increasingly points to a combination of environmental and genetic factors. Learn about emerging research and steps to take for a healthy pregnancy.
  •  Prognosis for People with Autism – Learn more about the long-term outlook for individuals diagnosed with ASDs
  •  What To Do After An Autism Diagnosis–  letter from our executive director, Stephen M. Edelson, Ph.D., addressed to families that have just received an autism diagnosis.