There are currently no laboratory/medical tests to determine a diagnosis of autism. An accurate diagnosis must be based on observation of the individuals communication, behavior, and developmental levels. Because many of the behaviors associated with autism are shared by other disorders, various medical examinations may be ordered to rule out or identify other possible causes of the symptoms being exhibited.

As a parent, you should speak to your pediatrician if your child exhibits any of the following:

Having any of these five "red flags" does not necessarily mean that a child has autism, but because the characteristics of the disorder vary so much, the child should have further evaluation. Ideally, a multidisciplinary team that includes several of the following professions will perform a diagnostic assessments: developmental pediatrician, neurologist, psychiatrist, psychologist, speech language pathologist (therapist), occupational or physical therapist, learning consultant, or other professionals knowledgeable about autism.

Because the diagnosis is primarily based on clinical observation and developmental history, the most accurate diagnoses come from the clinicians with extensive experience in autism spectrum disorders. Having the correct diagnosis is the beginning step in getting education and treatments that will allow each child to reach their full potential.

**Disclaimer:
Reference to any treatment or therapy option or to any program, service, or treatment provider is not an approval or endorsement  by the HCC-ASA. Visitors to this site should investigate alternatives that may be more appropriate for a specific individual. All information made available or published by the Harford County County Chapter of the Autism Society of America (HCC-ASA) is for informational purposes only.  HCC-ASA assumes no responsibility for the utilization of any information published or provided by the HCC-ASA.