How is autism spectrum disorder diagnosed?

HE autism spectrum disorder (ASD) it is not a disease and as a result there are no tests to identify it. So, diagnosis autism — a neurodevelopmentally related disorder — should be based on observation and developmental history of the patient’s behavior.

HE TEA It can be detected at 18 months of age. According to research, if done by an experienced professional, it is possible to arrive at a diagnosis that is considered reliable at age two.

However, many children take time to get the diagnosis, and depending on the extent of the disease. autismThey may even reach adulthood without knowing they have it. TEA. It’s a delay that deprives people of the early help they need.

According to a study cited by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), early detection is important to ensure children receive the services and support they need to reach their full potential.

Some people on the ASD “spectrum” have severe intellectual disabilities, but others can live independently and are highly intelligent.

According to the United Nations (UN), there are approximately 70 million people with autism in the world, of whom two million are in Brazil. incidence TEA higher for boys: the ratio is four boys to one girl.

Learn how to diagnose below. autistic spectrum disorder.

Diagnosing Autism Spectrum Disorder

First of all, parents need to be aware. This includes watching how a child grows and develops. As he gets older, he can’t talk, move, play, etc. As you learn, you need to monitor for reaching developmental milestones and typical skills.

Here are the important milestones that children should reach by 18 months:

• To look away and see if it is near;
• Show what you find interesting;
• Give hands to wash;
• Pay attention to several pages of a book with an adult;
• Help her get dressed by pushing her arms or raising her feet;
• Try to say two or three words in front of mom and dad;
• When you say “Give it to me”, follow the instructions without making any gestures such as giving the toy;
• Copy tasks such as sweeping;
• Playing with toys as simple as pushing a car;
• To walk without holding on to anything or anyone;
• doodles;
• Drinking, sometimes even pouring, from a glass without a lid;
• Feeding with fingers;
• Try using a spoon;
• Getting up and down from a sofa or chair without assistance.

In addition to these milestones, it’s important to share with the pediatrician what they’ve done together, what the child enjoys doing, if there’s anything they’re doing or not doing that worries them — such as unusual or repetitive behavior. If they have lost any skills and have special health needs or were born prematurely.

It is also important to inform the specialist about any condition the child has had by other family members: TEAhave a learning disability, intellectual disability, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

confirm diagnosis

in case of doubt TEA, the child should be referred to a specialist team that includes a child psychologist, speech therapist and occupational therapist. It may also include developmental pediatricians and neurologists.

The assessment will usually check the child’s cognitive level, language skills and other skills such as eating, dressing and toileting.

For a formal diagnosis, the child must meet the ICD-10 standards and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), criteria adopted by the Unified Health System (SUS) in Brazil. enter the range of categories autism:

1. Difficulties with communication and social interaction. for people who TEAIt is difficult to connect or predict other people’s reactions, read social cues, make eye contact, or have a conversation. They may not start talking as early as other children and may have difficulty with the muscle skills for playing sports, drawing and writing.
2. Restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior. children with TEA They may shake their bodies, repeat phrases, or get upset about changes in their routine. They are often deeply involved in a topic. Sensory problems may also occur.

If you discover that a child in your family has autistic spectrum disorderIt is common for her to worry about what the future will hold for her. But remember that most children TEA provides significant progress.

there are children who TEA those who are highly successful and able to stay in regular classrooms, also form meaningful relationships with family and peers, and achieve a good level of independence as adults.

It is important to keep in mind children and adults with TEA they can achieve great success as long as they have enough support and opportunities.