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Diagnosing autism involves behavioral observation and history. Learn about the autism diagnosis process, the ADOS-2 test, and genetic screening options.
Send us all your questions or requests, and our expert team will assist you.
Diagnosing Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a detailed process based on behavior, history, and development, since no single test can confirm it. At LIV Hospital, a multidisciplinary team carefully evaluates each child using gold-standard tools to ensure an accurate diagnosis and guide effective early intervention.
The journey often begins at your regular well-child visits.
The Result: A high score on the M-CHAT does not mean your child has autism, but it flags them as “at-risk.” This triggers a referral for a full diagnostic evaluation.
If screening suggests ASD, we move to formal diagnostic testing. We use specific tools recognized globally for their accuracy.
This is the most respected diagnostic tool in the field.
Scoring: The doctor rates the child’s behaviors in real-time. This provides an objective score regarding social communication and repetitive behaviors.
While the ADOS-2 looks at the child now, the ADI-R looks at the past. It is an extensive interview with the parents. We ask detailed questions about the child’s early development. We need to know if symptoms were present before age 3, even if they were subtle. This history is crucial because autism is a developmental disorder, meaning it has been there from the start.
Before confirming a brain-based social disorder, we must rule out physical barriers to communication.
Lead Screening: We check blood lead levels, as lead poisoning can cause developmental delays and behavioral changes.
While genes play a huge role in ASD, there is no “autism gene.” However, there are genetic syndromes associated with autism. Identifying them helps us understand the child’s future medical needs.
Metabolic Screening: If a child has seizures or regression (loss of skills), we check for metabolic disorders that affect how the body produces energy.
An autism evaluation can be long and emotional. Preparation helps it go smoothly.
Comfort: Bring snacks and favorite toys. A hungry or tired child will not perform well, which can skew the results.
If a diagnosis is made, the doctor will classify it by Level of Support (Level 1, 2, or 3) based on the DSM-5 criteria.
Level 3: Requires very substantial support. The child may be non-verbal and experience extreme distress with change. The doctor will also specify if there is an accompanying intellectual impairment or language impairment.
Parents often ask for an MRI. In routine autism cases, an MRI is not necessary. An MRI shows brain structure (anatomy), not brain function (behavior). Children with autism usually have normal-looking MRIs. We only order advanced imaging like MRI or EEG (brain wave test) if there are “red flags” for other conditions, such as:
Send us all your questions or requests, and our expert team will assist you.
There is no medical test, like a blood draw, for autism itself. Diagnosis uses behavioral assessments. The ADOS-2 (a play-based observation) and ADI-R (a parent interview) are considered the gold standards. Doctors also use developmental history and questionnaires like the M-CHAT.
Ensure your child is well-rested and fed. Bring their glasses or hearing aids if they use them. It is helpful to bring videos of your child’s behavior at home, as they might not show specific repetitive behaviors (like spinning or flapping) during the short office visit.
Genetic testing involves a blood draw, which involves a momentary pinch. While seeing a child cry is hard, the test itself is quick. Finding a genetic cause can be crucial for understanding future health risks and family planning, making the momentary discomfort worthwhile.
When performed by a specialist using the ADOS-2 and DSM-5 criteria, the diagnosis is very reliable and stable, especially for children over age 2. Screening tools like the M-CHAT are less accurate and can have false positives, which is why a full evaluation is always needed to confirm.
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