Screening for Autism - Reston Hospital Center | Reston, VA
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Screening for Autism

During regular check-ups, your doctor will examine your child to see if he or she has any developmental delays. These well-child check-ups are typically scheduled for:
  • 9 months
  • 18 months
  • 24 or 30 months
To look for developmental delays, the doctor will focus on your child’s social skills, language skills, and behavior. Your child's' doctor may talk to and play with your child. You will be asked questions about your child’s development.
This is a good time for you to talk openly to your child's doctor. You may have concerns about how your child is growing and behaving. Tell the doctor if you think your child is not developing normally, or has regressed. It is very important to share these concerns.
Examples of tests that are used to screen for developmental delays include:
  • Ages and Stages Questionnaire
  • Parents Evaluation of Developmental Status
Your doctor may also give a screening test to check specifically for autism. These screening tools focus on the criteria for diagnosing autism. The criteria are based on the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual. These tests are required for screening use in some states.
One test that is used is called the Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (CHAT). It is for children as young as 18 months. This is when autism is typically diagnosed. Some samples of the types of questions in CHAT include:
  • Does your child take interest in other children?
  • Does your child ever bring objects over to you to show you something?
  • Does your child sometimes stare at nothing or wander with no purpose?
The screening may show that your child has signs of autism. If so, the next step would be to work with a professional who specializes in the condition. This may be a child psychologist. The specialist will do further testing.
It is important to remember that if your child is in the high-risk category, your doctor will screen him or her sooner for developmental delays and autism. Your child is considered high-risk if he or she:
  • Had a low birth weight
  • Was premature
  • Has a sibling with a developmental delay or autism

References

Autism spectrum disorders. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://dynamed.ebscohost.com/about/about-us . Updated May 6, 2013. Accessed May 14, 2013.

Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/index.html . Updated August 7, 2012. Accessed May 14, 2013.

Autism spectrum disorders (pervasive developmental disorders). National Institute of Mental Health website. Available at: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/autism-spectrum-disorders-pervasive-developmental-disorders/index.shtml . Updated May 14, 2013. Accessed May 14, 2013.

Behrman RE, et al. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders; 2007.

First Signs. Recommended screening tools. First Signs website. Available at: http://www.firstsigns.org/screening/tools/rec.htm. Accessed May 15, 2013.

Goetz CG. Goetz’s Textbook of Clinical Neurology. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders, 2007.

Stern TA, et al. Massachusetts General Hospital Comprehensive Clinical Psychiatry. Philadelphia, PA: Mosby Elsevier; 2008.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

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