Contents:
Autism is a complex issue, and the subject is attracting increasing interest amongst both parents and professionals working with children and adults. More and more children are being referred to specialist clinics on the suspicion that their development is different, with the child’s difficulties being particularly evident in social interactions, communication or behavioural patterns. This is why it is so important for the diagnostic process to be thorough, and for a diagnosis of autism to be based on multiple sources of data. In clinical practice, the term ‘autism test’ is used, but it is worth noting that there is no single universal test or method that can provide a complete picture of how a child or adult functions.
What is the autism spectrum?
The autism spectrum encompasses a very wide range of symptoms, levels of severity and functional profiles. Autism spectrum disorders involve difficulties with social interaction, specific behaviours and different ways of processing stimuli. The term ‘autism spectrum disorders’ is also found in the literature, as is the abbreviation ASD (autism spectrum disorder). In Poland, diagnoses of autism spectrum disorders are made according to the criteria of the ICD-10, ICD-11 or DSM-5, which clearly describe the symptoms of autism spectrum disorders and the diagnostic criteria for neurodevelopmental disorders.
Why is a diagnosis so important?
Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial – particularly for children with autism – as they enable developmental support and therapeutic assistance to begin from the very earliest stages of a child’s life. This enables a better understanding of the child’s behaviour in various situations, helps the child to cope with everyday life, and supports parents in working on their child’s development. Autism in children cannot be diagnosed on the basis of a single characteristic – a comprehensive, developmental and diagnostic process is required, which involves observation, a detailed history and the analysis of a wide range of data.
Do you need some help?
Diagnosis of autism at the Dialog Centre for Children and Families
We carry out a comprehensive psychological assessment of autism spectrum disorders — thoroughly, providing a complete picture of the child’s potential and recommendations for the school.
What is the step-by-step process for diagnosing autism?
In clinical practice, autism usually involves a team of specialists, such as: a psychologist, a psychiatrist, a paediatrician, a teacher, a special needs teacher, a speech and language therapist, and a diagnostician specialising in developmental disorders. A visit to a specialist at a diagnostic and therapeutic centre specialising in autism spectrum disorders is the first step on the journey that the family undertakes.
1. Initial consultation and observation of the child
The first stage is a consultation, during which a specialist gathers basic information about the child’s functioning in terms of communication, behaviour and social interactions. Observation – both informal and structured – takes place as early as this stage. Early diagnosis is particularly important for children from 12 months of age, when the first signs of autism may already be apparent.
The specialist pays attention to aspects such as eye contact, responses to their name, the way they play, behavioural patterns, communicative gestures and the presence of repetitive behaviours. This is also the point at which parents describe their child’s behaviour in various situations.
2. Interview with the parents
An interview with the parents is crucial – it enables us to understand the child’s behaviour from the very earliest months of life, their development, social responses, communication style and what the child’s day-to-day life is like. In the case of older patients, such as adolescents and adults, the interview focuses on their developmental history and current difficulties.
3. Observation and the ADOS-2 test
The most widely used observation tool in the world is the ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule). The ADOS-2 is a standardised protocol that assesses interaction, communication, repetitive behaviours and responses to social cues. It can be administered to young children, adolescents and adults on the autism spectrum.
The ADOS-2 is adapted to different levels of development – some modules are used with non-verbal children, whilst others are used with those who speak fluently. The ADOS-2 test enables a structured assessment of symptoms of autism spectrum disorder, and the test results are analysed by a team of specialists.
4. The ADI-R Interview
The ADI-R interview is an in-depth diagnostic discussion with parents, aimed at gathering detailed information about the child’s development in the areas of communication, play, social interactions and repetitive behaviours. The ADI-R is particularly helpful in diagnosing autism in children, as it analyses the child’s development from early childhood.
5. Supplementary questionnaires – ASRS and other tools
The ASRS (Autism Spectrum Rating Scales) questionnaire is used to determine the extent of a child’s difficulties in various areas of functioning. This scale is used in the diagnosis of children and enables the assessment of symptoms of autism, as well as social, emotional and adaptive behaviours.
6. Further investigations
In situations requiring further diagnostic investigation, patients may be referred for:
- a consultation with a psychiatrist,
- a neurological consultation,
- genetic testing,
- differential diagnosis
7. Analysis of the material and diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder
Once all the data has been gathered, a team of specialists draws up a diagnosis of the disorders by analysing the symptoms of the autism spectrum and the severity of the difficulties. In the case of adults, a psychological consultation and an analysis of their life history are often helpful, and the diagnosis of ASD is also based on tools tailored to the autism spectrum in adults.
As a result, a diagnosis of autism is made in children or adults.
Do you need some help?
Diagnosis of autism at the Dialog Centre for Children and Families
We carry out a comprehensive psychological assessment of autism spectrum disorders — thoroughly, providing a complete picture of the child’s potential and recommendations for the school.
A step-by-step guide to diagnosing autism – summary
Although many people use the terms ‘autism test’ or ‘autism spectrum test’, it is important to emphasise that there is no single test that can fully diagnose autism. The autism spectrum is a diagnostic process that requires multi-stage observation, analysis, teamwork and the use of standardised tools such as the ADOS-2, ADI-R and ASRS.
Diagnosis is a complex process, and typically involves consultations, observations, interviews and tests. In the diagnostic process, it is extremely important to take an individualised approach and to understand that a child with a neurodevelopmental disorder may develop in a different, but equally valuable, way.
Bibliography
- Chojnicka, I., Płoski, M. (eds.). Autism and related disorders. Diagnosis and treatment. Warsaw: PZWL.
- Pisula, E. Autism: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment. Gdańsk: Harmonia Universalis.
- Wójcik, M., Wolańczyk, T. Autism Spectrum Disorders – A Practical Diagnostic Guide. Warsaw: PZWL Medical Publishing House.
- American Psychiatric Association. DSM-5 – Diagnostic Criteria. Polish edition. Wrocław: Edra Urban & Partner.
- Lord, C., Rutter, M., DiLavore, P. (Polish translation). ADOS-2. Observation protocol for the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders. Warsaw: Psychological Tests Laboratory, Polish Psychological Association.
- Rutter, M., Le Couteur, A., Lord, C. ADI-R – A Structured Interview for the Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorders. Warsaw: PTP.
- Goldstein, S., Naglieri, J. ASRS – Scales for Assessing Autism-Related Behaviours. Warsaw: PTP.
Read more
Related articles
Autism – symptoms. How can you recognise them in children and teenagers?
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects the way a person perceives the world, interacts with others and processes information. Nowadays, we talk about the autism spectrum, as symptoms and the level of support required can vary greatly. There is still a lack of reliable information on this subject, which is why many myths hinder […]
Is autism a disease? – Facts and myths about the autism spectrum
The autism spectrum refers to a variety of ways of developing and functioning, which may be associated with different needs, experiences and ways of communicating and perceiving the world. It is a lifelong neurodevelopmental disorder that affects communication, social interactions, sensory processing and behaviour. This means that a person on the autism spectrum may have […]
What rules out Asperger’s syndrome – factors in the differential diagnosis
Asperger’s syndrome – an autism spectrum disorder Asperger’s syndrome is a neurodevelopmental disorder classified within the autism spectrum, characterised by a different pattern of social and communicative development. It is not a disease in the medical sense, but rather a different pattern of brain development. The term derives from the name of the Austrian paediatrician […]
Rett syndrome – what it is, symptoms and causes of this rare disorder
What is Rett syndrome? Rett syndrome is one of the most frequently described rare and specific neurodevelopmental disorders affecting girls. In the literature, it is also referred to as Rett or Rett syndrome and belongs to the group of serious genetic disorders. Typically, Rett syndrome occurs in children who initially develop normally, but later experience […]
Hyperfixation – what is it, how does it work, and how does it affect day-to-day functioning?
Hyperfixation is a phenomenon that is increasingly being discussed in the context of mental health and neurodiversity. Although it is sometimes confused with passion, commitment or high motivation, it actually operates on a different mechanism and can significantly affect day-to-day functioning. For some people, it is a source of satisfaction and a sense of purpose; […]
Heller’s syndrome – symptoms, progression and diagnosis of a rare disorder
Heller’s syndrome, also known as childhood disintegrative disorder, is one of the rarest and most dramatic developmental disorders. It is characterised by the sudden loss of previously acquired skills in a child who had been developing normally during the first few years of life. Due to its rapid onset and profound regression in functioning, this […]
Do you need some help?
Diagnosis of autism at the Dialog Centre for Children and Families
We carry out a comprehensive psychological assessment of the autism spectrum — thoroughly, providing a complete picture of the child’s potential and recommendations for the school.
Book a consultation