Your child will be screened for developmental and communications disorders like autism from her very first well- child visit. Your pediatrician monitors your baby by observing the way she giggles, how she looks to you for reassurance, points or waves, responds to her name,regains your attention during a conversation or cries.

These observations in addition to family history, health examinations and parental perspectives are extremely important in determining children at risk of autism spectrum disorders.

Formalized Autism Screening Recommended at the 18- and 24-Month

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all children be screen at the 18 and 24 month well child visits  as well as regular developmental surveillance. This screening is important in identifying children with significant  developmental and behavioral challenges early so that they benefit from intervention. For screening to be effective, it must be applied to all children, not only those with symptoms.

Most pediatrician’s  offices use the M-CHAT, a 23-point questionnaire filled out by parents. This test can help pediatricians  pick up children at risk of autism . This will prompt a conversation  about language delays , behavioral concerns and  possible next steps  for children at risk with additional genetic, neurologic or developmental testing.

Screening is not diagnosing

You have to know that screening is not diagnosing. If your  child has positive screen for ASD ,  it doesn’t mean she has been diagnosed with it. If you’re child’s screen comes back negative and you are still concerned, do not worry.  Screen tests  are not 100% accurate so it is used in combination with other factors such as health and family history to identify a child’s risk.

NOTE

Talk to your pediatrician about formal screening if you have concerns about your child. If you are concerned about your child due to a family history of ASD, the way she talks or acts or other people’s comments about her behavior, talk to your pediatrician. If you are not pleased with the responds, get a second opinion.