ASD

1. Can be diagnosed as early as 18 months

2. Scores within the Austic range can be placed into two categories

2.1. mild-to-moderate

2.2. severe

3. Individuals with a well-established DSM-IV diagnosis of autistic disorder, Asperger’s disorder, or pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified should be given the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. Individuals who have marked deficits in social communication, but whose symptoms do not otherwise meet criteria for autism spectrum disorder, should be evaluated for social (pragmatic) communication disorder.

4. Screening tools

4.1. Ages and Stages Questionnaires (ASQ)

4.2. Communication and Symbolic Behavior Scales (CSBS)

4.3. Parent’s Evaluation of Development Status (PEDS)

4.4. Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT)

4.5. Screening Tool for Autism in Toddlers and Young Children (STAT)

4.6. Observation tools such as the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-G

4.7. The Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS)

4.8. The Autism Diagnostic Interview – Revised (ADI-R)

5. Signs: Abnormal Body Posturing or Facial Expressions. Abnormal Tone of Voice. Avoidance of Eye Contact or Poor Eye Contact. Behavioral Disturbances. Deficits in Language Comprehension. Delay in Learning to Speak. Flat or Monotonous Speech. Inappropriate Social Interaction.