What is autism spectrum disorder (ASD)?

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder that affects how people communicate and interact with the world. As its name implies, autism covers an entire spectrum of abilities and challenges.

Signs of Autism

Avoids or does not keep eye contact
Does not respond to name
Does not show facial expressions
Does not point to show you something interesting by 18 months of age
Does not notice when others are hurt or upset by 24 months of age
Does not notice other children and join them in play by 36 months of age
Does not engage in pretend play
Lines up toys or other objects and gets upset when order is changed
Repeats words or phrases over and over (called echolalia)
Plays with toys the same way every time
Gets upset by minor changes
Has obsessive interests
Must follow certain routines
Engages in repetitive behaviors
Has unusual reactions to the way things sound, smell, taste, look, or feel

Related characteristics often include:

Delayed language skills
Delayed movement skills
Delayed cognitive or learning skills
Hyperactive, impulsive, and/or inattentive behavior
Epilepsy or seizure disorder

Unusual eating and sleeping habits
Gastrointestinal issues (for example, constipation)
Unusual mood or emotional reactions
Anxiety, stress, or excessive worry
Lack of fear or more fear than expected

Screening and Diagnosing for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Diagnosing autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can be difficult because there is no medical test, such as a blood test, to diagnose the disorder. Doctors look at the child's developmental history and behavior to make a diagnosis.
ASD can sometimes be detected at 18 months of age or younger. By age 2, a diagnosis by an experienced professional can be considered reliable. However, many children do not receive a final diagnosis until they are much older.
Diagnosing children with ASD as early as possible is important to make sure children receive the services and support they need to reach their full potential. There are several steps in this process.
A brief test using a screening tool does not provide a diagnosis, but it can indicate whether a child is on the right development track or if a specialist should take a closer look. If the screening tool identifies an area of concern, a formal developmental evaluation may be needed.
This formal evaluation is a more in-depth look at a child's development and is usually done by a trained specialist such as a developmental pediatrician, child psychologist, speech-language pathologist, or occupational therapist. The results of a formal developmental evaluation can also show whether your child needs early intervention services. In some cases, the specialist might recommend genetic counseling and testing for your child.
The specialist may observe the child and give the child a structured test, ask the parents or caregivers questions, or ask the parents or caregivers to fill out questionnaires. The results of this formal evaluation highlight your child's strengths and challenges and can inform whether they meet the criteria for a developmental diagnosis.

Who can help detect or diagnose ASD and provide a medical diagnosis?

Pediatric Neurologist - Specializes in the diagnosis and management of conditions that affect the nervous system in neonates (newborns), infants, children and adolescents.
Psychiatrist - Specializes in the branch of medicine concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness.
Psychologist - Specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases of the brain, emotional disturbance, and behavior problems.
Pediatrician - Specializes in the health of children, including physical, behavioral, and mental health issues
Organizations - Like Children’s Mercy, KU Med Center, Mercy Children’s Hospital