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Autism is a neurological disorder that affects a person's development. Because of this, children or adults with autism have difficulty communicating and interacting with other people. However, it is not uncommon for children without autism to experience developmental problems. So, what autism tests need to be done before a doctor can make a diagnosis? Check out the following article.
Developmental screening
Screeningor developmental screening is a short autism test to test if your child has developmental delays. The doctor will ask you some questions regarding your child's development and he may talk or play with your child. The goal is to see how to learn, talk, move, behave, react, and interact with other people.
Well, tardiness can be a sign of developmental problems. So if the ability of children tends to be late compared to children their age, you need to be vigilant.
Your child should be screened at 9 months, 18 months, and 24 or 30 months. He may need additional screening if he is born prematurely, has a light birth weight, or has other problems.
Behavioral assessment
The doctor will ask several questions to determine the type of developmental delay your child is experiencing.
First, the doctor will review your child's medical record (medical history). During the interview, the doctor will ask questions regarding your child's development, such as whether he points at things when he wants something. A child with autism is often silent, pointing nothing if he wants to tell him what he wants. He also usually doesn't check if his parents are looking at the item.
Then, the doctor will use a diagnostic guide to get an assessment of your child's behavior that may be related to the main symptoms of autism. An example of the main symptom of autism is an unusual focus on a number of things. This means that the child with autism often focuses on parts of a toy, but he doesn't want to play with the toy as a whole and he can't understand the toy.
Developmental and intelligence tests can be used to assess whether developmental delays are affecting your child's thinking and intelligence.
Physical assessment
A physical assessment is used to check if a physical problem is causing your child's symptoms. The doctor will measure the height, weight, and circumference of the head to ensure that your child is growing normally.
Hearing tests are also used to check your child's hearing ability. The doctor will also check if there is a link between hearing problems and developmental delays, including those related to language skills.
Laboratory test
A laboratory autism test is also used to determine if a physical problem is causing autism symptoms in your child. Usually this is done through a DNA (genetic) test.
A lead poisoning test measures the amount of lead in your child's blood. Lead is a poisonous metal that can cause damage to the brain and other parts of the body. This autism test can be done by taking a blood sample. According to the health site WebMD, children with autism are more likely to experience lead poisoning. This is because the child may like to eat or put foreign objects in his mouth.
Scan (scan) MRI can show detailed images of the brain and help doctors determine whether marked differences in brain structure are causing autism-like symptoms.
A chromosome analysis will be carried out if your child is suspected of having an intellectual disorder (characterized by below average mental and intellectual abilities and a lack of basic life skills).
A diagnosis of autism can be difficult to make because it can vary from person to person. If you think your child has autism, consult a doctor as soon as possible. A number of autism assessments and tests will be conducted to help specialists detect whether the child has autism.
Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
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