Autism

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Children with known or suspected autism will often have genetic testing (looking for chromosome abnormalities) and perhaps metabolic testing.

Autism encompasses a broad spectrum of symptoms. Therefore, a single, brief evaluation cannot predict a child's true abilities. Ideally, a team of different specialists will evaluate the child. They might evaluate speech, language, communication, thinking abilities, motor skills, success at school, and other factors.

Sometimes people are reluctant to have a child diagnosed because of concerns about labeling the child. However, failure to make a diagnosis can lead to failure to get the treatment and services the child needs.

Review Date: 02/19/2007
Reviewed By: Daniel W. Haupt, M.D., Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.