Q6. How do you diagnose autism?

A6. A child suspected of having autism will be diagnosed using a test called CHAT which stands for ’Checklist for Autism in Toddlers’. This carried out in children before they start school.

The child will undergo other more comprehensive tests at a child development centre. These tests will be performed by a consultant psychologist and other professional staff such as speech and language therapists, paediatricians and occupational therapists.

Adults who may have autism are diagnosed with a similar screening test used for children.

Our diagnosing autism section discusses this in more detail. It covers both diagnosis of autism in adults and children.

Autism FAQs:

Autism FAQs

• Q1. What is autism?
• Q2. Is there more than one type of autism?
• Q3. Why are there more children with autism than adults?
• Q4. What causes autism?
• Q5. What are the symptoms of autism?
• Q6. How do you diagnose autism?
• Q7. How common is autism?
• Q8. Why are there more boys with autism compared to girls?

• Q9. Can you cure autism?
• Q10. How do you treat autism?
• Q11. What is 'SPELL?'
• Q12. What is 'TEACCH?'
• Q13. How do parents cope with autism?
• Q14. How does an autistic adult manage their condition?
• Q15. Do autistic people have other medical conditions?