Testing for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) involves several steps, since there is no single medical test, like a blood test, for diagnosing autism
. Medical professionals assess a person’s behavior and developmental history, as well as conduct interviews and observations of the individual and their loved ones, using screening and diagnostic tools to make a diagnosis
. The typical steps involved in testing for autism:
- Screening Questionnaires Autism evaluations usually start with a screening questionnaire
. These questionnaires can indicate if a child might have autism, signaling the need for a more in-depth evaluation
. Examples of screening tools include the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, Revised (M-CHAT-R) for children aged 16 to 30 months, the Social Challenges Screening Questionnaire (SCSQ) for school-aged children, and the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) Test for individuals aged 16 and older
- Diagnostic Instruments If a screening indicates that a child may have ASD, a comprehensive evaluation from a professional trained in diagnosing autism is necessary
. A common diagnostic instrument is the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2), which assesses communication, social interaction, play, and repetitive behaviors
. The Autism Diagnostic Interview, Revised (ADI-R) is also frequently used, often alongside the ADOS
- Assessment of Development During an autism assessment, healthcare professionals will ask about the child’s development, like when they started talking, and observe the interaction between the child and their parents, as well as how the child plays
- Observations and Interviews Professionals observe verbal and nonverbal communication and look for specific characteristics that are hallmarks of ASD, such as difficulties with social interaction, specific interests, or repetitive speech or behavior
. A full evaluation should also include interviews with parents, teachers, and other adults who know the child well
- Genetic Testing Genetic testing, such as chromosome analysis and microarray, may be performed to identify any genetic causes of autism, particularly if the results of initial tests are normal
