A comprehensive evaluation is required to diagnoses autism spectrum disorders, including in-depth measures of cognitive functioning, adaptive behavior, autism diagnostic tools (i.e., ADI-R and ADOS), behavioral observations, and sometimes neuropsychological and speech and language evaluations.

Currently, no single medical test exists that will definitively diagnose autism spectrum conditions. Neither AS nor autism can be diagnosed by looking at a blood sample or performing a brain scan. Although these are physical, neurological conditions, researchers are still looking for genetic or other physical causes that may lead to a definitive test. Short of this, the diagnosis is made on the basis of observable characteristics of the individual.

There is no medical test per se. Diagnosis is made by well-trained professional through information obtained from discussions with parents, as well as direct observation of behaviour and development.

Autism, part of a group of disorders known as Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), is a complex neurobiological disorder that typically lasts throughout a person's lifetime. The disorder is characterized by varying degrees of impairment in communication skills and social abilities, and also by repetitive behaviors. Symptoms range from mild to severe. One milder form of the disorder is known as Asperger Syndrome.

Yes. Autism is one of the pervasive developmental disorders (PDD) that are included in our served priority population. The others are:

Several ways have been suggested to diminish the diagnostic error that occurs if diagnosis is based solely on the clinical picture of suspected appendicitis. In fact appendicitis is a disease, which can mimic most of the causes of abdominal pain as well as some of the chest diseases. Despite new x-ray techniques, CT scans and ultrasounds, the diagnosis of appendicitis can be quite challenging.

Although some children show autistic patterns of social interaction almost from birth, it can be difficult to give a definitive diagnosis of autism before age three. This is because rates of development in infants and young children are widely variable. Also, autism is frequently accompanied by mental retardation (about 70% of the time.) Some behaviors associated with autism are also frequently found in children who are mentally retarded.

many as 1 in 150 children are autistic, according to the Centers for Disease Control. That adds up to almost 1.5 million people in the United States. Also, government statistics suggest the rate of autism is rising 10-17 percent annually. Unfortunately, the numbers appear to be continuing their upward climb.

Unfortunately, experts have been unable thus far to come up with a cure for autism. Many “treatments” have surfaced since the disorder has grown more visible in the mainstream press, but reputable doctors have yet to agree on any that will reverse the diagnosis. But there's hope: Scientists are hard at work every day finding a solution for this growing problem.