diagnosing autism

There is no way to diagnose Autism biologically, at this time.  Researchers and doctors got together at the first DAN! (Defeat Autism Now) Conference to begin writing a manual called the DAN! Protocol.  It lists biological tests that may be helpful for autistic people.  It is available from the Autism Research Institute (ARI) http://www.autism.com/ari/main  For now, few doctors and other "experts" have knowledge of the DAN! Protocol and instead  evaluate autism using psychological testing, parent interview and observation of the child as well as the parent(s) with the child.

Some of the testing that can be done include:

Personal-Social, Adaptive, Gross & Fine Motor, Communication, Cognitive skills are evaluated.

Rossetti Infant-Toddler Language Scale

Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-Generic (ADOS-G)

Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) or knowledge of autism scale

Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale - Interview Edition: assesses performance of day-to-day activities necessary to get along with others and take care of themselves with subcategories of communication, daily living skills, socialization and motor skills.

Sensory Profile

MacArthur Communicative Development Inventory (MCDI)

Psychoeducational Profile - Revised (PEP-R)

Neurodevelopmental Evaluations

Physical Examination

CHAT test