Diagnosing of Autism

Initially, let it be known that Autism disorder is totally different from mental retardation disability, in the sense that not every Autistic has a decline in IQ.

How to Diagnose Autism?
1) Who is responsible for diagnosing autism?
2) What are the international standards used in diagnosing autism?
3) At what age, Autism can be diagnosed ?
4) What are the checks and tests that required / applied by the doctor?

1) Who is Responsible for Diagnosing Autism?
Team of Diagnosing Autism:-
Neurologist.
Pediatrician.
Children Psychiatrist.
Psychologist.
Speech Therapist.
Specialist in Special Education.
Social workers.

2) What are the International Standards used in Diagnosing Autism?
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, DSM-IV, used in the United States of America, provided by the American Psychiatric Association that provides the standard criteria for the classification of mental disorders.
The International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10), provided by the World Health Organization (WHO), is another guidebook used in Europe and other counties as well.
Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R), as there are many easy fast questionnaires that are used to give a general idea and not an accurate diagnosis, these questionnaires are as follows:-
• ABC (Autism Behavior Checklist).
• ChAT (Checklist for Autism in Toddlers).
• CARS (Childhood Autism Rating Scale).
• ADOS (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule)

3) At what age, Autism Can be Diagnosed ?
Autism is diagnosed from the age of thirty to thirty six months, however, recently researches has proven that it is possible to diagnose the disorder from age 18 months, knowing that it’s essential to diagnose the disease early so that the application of early intervention programs become more effective.

4) What are the Checks & Tests That Required / Applied by Doctors?
Required Analysis:-
1) Audiometry hearing assessment test.
2) Electroencephalography (EEG).
3) MRI of the brain.
4) Blood tests.
5) Analysis of the Thyroid Gland.
6) Analysis of Amino Acid in the blood.
7) Analysis of Chromosomes or Genetic Dyes.
8) Analysis of Urine.
9) Analysis of Immunity.
10) Analysis of Heavy Metals in the blood.
11) Analysis of Fungi.