Screening and Diagnosis of Autism in School-Aged Children

Introduction

Life is a complicated journey—nothing comes easily. Whether you’re male or female, life doesn’t offer smooth sailing. Challenges rise like hurdles, just waiting for you outside the window. We get married, whether it’s a love marriage or arranged (as is common in South Asia). Starting an independent life and supporting a partner is a significant responsibility. Some might understand or relate to this, while others may not.

Screening and diagnosis of autism in school-aged children presents its own set of challenges, as families navigate the complexities of understanding and supporting their child’s unique needs.

When Do You First Notice?

When you start planning for a child, it takes more than physical preparation. Mentally, you must be ready, too. Caring for your partner during pregnancy—through routine check-ups, physical assistance, mood swings, and many other indescribable challenges—is just the beginning.
Around 16 to 20 months after birth, you may notice that your child’s development seems off. As they start going to school, the differences may become more pronounced. After a series of check-ups and assessments, the pediatrician might diagnose autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Your world flips upside down. Questions and fears start brewing: Will my child go to college, find meaningful employment, live independently, get married, or discover their passion? You may experience emotions ranging from sadness and anxiety to grief and disbelief.
In this article, I’ll guide you through the screening, diagnosis, and assessment process for autism.

Screening and Diagnosis Process

An autism diagnosis has multifaceted benefits for the autistic individual (your child) and their families (like you). Although the process is lengthy and challenging, early intervention opens doors for tailored support, access to services, and legal protections.

For the autistic child, family understanding, emotional well-being, advocacy, long-term planning, and reducing stigma are crucial for improving their quality of life.

The diagnostic process generally consists of two steps:

1. Screening
2. A comprehensive diagnostic evaluation

Screening is essential for determining whether a thorough autism evaluation is necessary. It also helps to identify or rule out other conditions and is the first step in getting your child the appropriate treatment.

Screening

Healthcare professionals look for a unique combination of differences in how the child interacts socially, communicates, and behaves. Specific tests are given to rule out other developmental differences, and several forms of assessment are used to diagnose autism and gauge its severity.

In most cases, children with autism are diagnosed between the ages of 2 and 3 after parents notice delays or differences in social interaction, as well as verbal and nonverbal communication.

Some tools used for autism screening include:

• Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT): A brief yes/no questionnaire designed for early detection of autism in children aged 16 to 30 months.
• Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R): A semi-structured interview conducted with the child’s parents by a trained specialist to help make a definitive diagnosis.
• Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS): A structured interview where a specialist performs guided activities to confirm the diagnosis.
• Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS): This tool evaluates a child’s behavior using a 15-point scale to assess relationships with others, body use, adaptability to change, listening responses, and verbal communication.

Diagnostic Evaluation and Assessment

As medical treatments and assessments evolve, health professionals conduct various evaluations to assess autism. Some key professionals involved include:

• Pediatrician: A physician specialized in treating children’s illnesses. Developmental pediatricians focus on children’s behavior and development.
• Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist: A specialist in diagnosing and treating disorders of thinking, feeling, and behavior in children and teenagers. Psychiatrists are medical doctors and can prescribe medications.
• Psychologist: A professional who studies the mind—mental health, emotions, intelligence, motivations—and conducts behavioral assessments and treatments. Psychologists are not medically trained to prescribe medications.
• Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs): are specialists who diagnose and treat problems related to speech, language, communication, and swallowing.
• Occupational Therapist (OT): A professional trained to help patients regain independence, whether facing physical, sensory, or cognitive challenges.
• Social Worker: A professional trained to assist individuals and families in managing difficult situations through counseling and practical support.

A New Journey Begins for Parents

After when your child is diagnosed, don’t let down yourself and your child. Autism is not a disability; it’s the ability of your child to another level. Autistic people do achieve wonders and now try to take life differently, as you planned earlier. You have to be strong mentally. It will require your resilience. You must be more aware and resourceful to navigate the future for your child and family.

This journey is challenging, but you’re not alone. You might face even more difficult circumstances, but you are not alone. Government support systems, social groups, and other individuals are available to help you. Your role is to provide unwavering support not just to your autistic child but also to your family members—your partner, siblings, and everyone involved.