Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is diagnosed by specialists who have expertise in developmental and behavioral conditions. The diagnosis process typically involves gathering detailed information from parents or caregivers about the individual's development and observing the person's behavior against standardized criteria such as those in the DSM-5.
Professionals Who Diagnose Autism
- Developmental Pediatricians: Pediatricians with advanced training in developmental-behavioral medicine who evaluate and treat children with developmental difficulties including ASD.
- Pediatric Neurologists: Specialists in neurological conditions in children who can diagnose and manage ASD.
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists: Physicians specializing in mental health disorders in children and adolescents, often with expertise in diagnosing ASD.
- Psychologists: Clinical, counseling, school, or neuropsychologists with experience in autism assessments use tools like the ADOS-2 and ADI-R, considered gold-standard diagnostic instruments.
- Multidisciplinary Teams: Especially in adult assessments, teams may include clinical psychologists, nurses, occupational therapists, psychiatrists, social workers, speech and language therapists, and others to provide a comprehensive evaluation.
Diagnostic Process
- For children, pediatricians often initiate the process during routine well-child visits by looking for developmental milestones and signs of delays.
- If concerns arise, referral to specialists such as developmental pediatricians or child psychologists is common.
- For adults, psychiatrists, psychologists, or neuropsychologists typically conduct the diagnosis, often after referral from a primary care provider.
- The assessment includes interviews, behavioral observations, developmental history, and sometimes additional tests to rule out other conditions or identify genetic factors.
Because autism varies widely in symptoms and severity, diagnosis requires careful evaluation by professionals experienced in distinguishing ASD from other conditions
