What is a good age to test for autism?
While the journey may seem daunting, whether your child’s doctor has suggested autism testing or you’ve observed some developmental delays prompting consideration of an autism spectrum test, it’s essential to know you’re not alone. Each year, the autism community continues to expand, offering more knowledge and support. Based on the latest data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 36 children in the United States is diagnosed with autism, transcending boundaries of race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic group.
Misconceptions about autism abound, often leading to confusion about its fundamental characteristics or the developmental milestones that indicate a need for support. This lack of understanding prompts many parents and caregivers to ask, “What is a good age to test for autism?” At ABA Centers of Virginia, we advocate for early intervention, which can significantly benefit children receiving an autism diagnosis. Therefore, conducting tests between 18 months and two years can pave the way for early intervention, enhancing your child’s social, communication, and cognitive skills.
If your child is beyond the typical age for early intervention, there’s no need for concern. Methods such as ABA therapy have proven highly effective for children and teens with autism. In this blog post, we aim to guide you through the autism diagnosis process, providing advice on autism testing, preparation for the autism spectrum test day, and warning signs of autism to look out for.
Within the Arlington, Washington D.C., and surrounding communities, our ABA Centers offer a range of services for autism support. These services include autism testing and diagnosis, ABA therapy for children and teens, in-home ABA therapies, and early intervention. Recognizing that time is of the essence, we strive to minimize waiting times for accessing our services, ensuring your child receives the necessary support without delay.
Understanding the Process of Autism Testing and Diagnosis
Firstly, it’s crucial to understand that autism manifests uniquely in each individual, meaning that no two people on the autism spectrum exhibit entirely identical symptoms or levels of severity. Generally, a pediatrician recommends autism testing for a child after conducting a developmental evaluation between 18 and 24 months. During this evaluation, the pediatrician may notice a developmental delay. Alternatively, parents or caregivers might be the first to observe some difficulties their child experiences in achieving certain developmental milestones.
To carry out an autism spectrum test, a licensed medical practitioner will assess your child’s language abilities, communication skills, and cognitive levels. Additionally, they will discuss your child’s behavioral patterns and developmental history with you. This conversation may involve answering questionnaires and participating in interviews.
The healthcare provider will also conduct physical examinations to rule out other medical conditions or identify physical factors contributing to specific problem behaviors or developmental delays.
It’s important to remember that reaching an official autism diagnosis involves an exhaustive process. The doctor will use extensive testing and consider numerous variables and criteria. The American Psychiatric Association outlined these criteria in the DSM-5, a document for diagnosing autism spectrum disorder.
Preparing for Autism Spectrum Test Day
It’s natural to feel stressed when facing the possibility that a loved one may be diagnosed with autism. However, preparing for the testing day can alleviate some of the burdens. Rest assured that a competent provider will comprehensively explain your child’s diagnosis and circumstances, and remember that you have every right to ask as many questions as you need.
Tips for the Appointment Day:
- Conduct thorough research: Being well-informed about autism spectrum disorder is crucial to better understanding the testing process and potential outcomes. The more knowledge you have, the easier it will be to engage in discussions with the doctor and ask pertinent questions. Trustworthy sources such as the ABA Centers of Virginia, Autism Self Advocacy Network, Autism Speaks, and Autism Parenting Magazine offer valuable information.
- Prepare a list of questions: Before your child’s autism testing appointment, compile a list of questions you want to ask the doctor. This preparation ensures you mention all critical concerns during the consultation.
- Gather supporting documents: Bringing along your child’s medical history, previous test results, examinations, and notes from caregivers and teachers can assist the doctor in gaining a deeper understanding of your child’s behavior and developmental history.
- Provide detailed and objective descriptions: When describing your child’s behavior, be as precise and accurate as possible. This information is vital to the doctor’s assessment. Don’t hesitate to share any conduct that raises concerns. For instance, if your child prefers to line up legos instead of building with them, mention this to the doctor. While it may seem trivial, such details can help the medical team understand your child’s unique behaviors.
Understanding Results and Treatment After Autism Testing
Once the autism testing process is complete, typically taking a few hours, the doctor will analyze the results to interpret your child’s diagnosis correctly. Upon receiving the results, they will share this information with you. Depending on the outcomes of the autism spectrum test, they will discuss potential therapy options with you.
It’s crucial to understand that autism isn’t a disease but a developmental disorder. Therefore, while there is no cure for autism, with appropriate support, many individuals on the spectrum can lead independent lives, integrate into society, and even pursue careers if they wish to do so.
Specialized organizations, such as ABA Centers of Virginia, provide care for individuals with autism using Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapies. This method has been recognized by the FDA, scientifically supported for over 40 years, and is considered the gold standard in autism therapy by the medical community. Through ABA therapy, children with autism can acquire life skills that empower them to thrive, meet their goals, and lead fulfilling lives.
Recognizing the Signs of Autism
If you or your doctor suspect that your child may be on the autism spectrum, you have likely noticed some of the following signs. However, since autism can manifest in a variety of ways, its recognition is complex. Therefore, an official evaluation and diagnosis by a licensed provider is essential.
Common signs include:
- Physical symptoms such as hand flapping and repetitive finger movements
- Fascination with complex subjects like stories or movie dialogue or restricted interests
- Language delays or absence of speech
- Avoidance or limited eye contact
- Lack of interest in others, including children of their age
- Sensory sensitivity, which often looks like extreme responses to noises, lights, smells, or textures
- “Unusual” methods of play
These are just some of the most common signs of autism. To learn more about these and other signs and symptoms, consider exploring resources provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
ABA Centers of Virginia: Your Ally in Autism Testing
If you live in the Washington D.C. or Arlington areas and seek a reliable provider for autism testing for teens or children, consider ABA Centers of Virginia. We understand that this is a pivotal time, and diagnostic testing for autism represents the first step toward acquiring the support your child requires. Our team of autism specialists is ready to assist you at every stage.
If your child receives an autism diagnosis, we offer ABA therapies at home. Beyond providing top-tier services, we also serve as a supportive community for families facing autism. Here, you can discover resources and information and connect with other parents and caregivers navigating the world of neurodiversity.
To learn more about our autism testing services and ABA therapies, call us at (855) 957-1892 or fill out our contact form. Take the first step and start seeing autism as a unique perspective on the world.
