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Diagnosis of ASD - what is involved?

Autism was first introduced as a diagnosable condition in the third edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-III) published by the American Psychological Association (APA). The current version of DSM (DSM V released in 2013) provides diagnostic criteria that reflect the current state of research in ASD (Ozonoff, 2018).

DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders)

  • Classification system for mental health disorders published by the American Psychological Association (APA).

  • provides standardized criteria and guidelines for diagnosing mental health conditions.

  • Used by clinicians and researchers.

CDC guidelines for ASD screening and identification (McKeithan et al., 2014)

Identification of ASD involves three processes of observing a child's development. 

Developmental Monitoring

Caregivers and providers observe how the child grows and whether the child is meeting all typical developmental milestones in language, play, movement, adaptive behavior, and learning. 

Developmental Screening

More formal look at development that should be done at well-child visits at 9, 18 and 30 months of age.

ASD specific Screening

Should be done at well-child visits at 18 - 24 months of age.

Developmental Diagnosis

An in-depth evaluation of the child's development should be done by a trained specialist (e.g., a developmental pediatrician or child psychologist) if the screenings identify areas of concern.

A clinical diagnosis for ASD reached by the process outlined above may qualify a child for early intervention services but may not qualify a child for special education services. 

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