Do you sometimes feel like your little one is not like other children, that he or she is behaving a little differently? He or she may prefer to be alone, play alone, or not listen to you when you talk to him or her, or not look you in the eye. It is normal for a parent to feel a little scared or worried at times like these. Today, we will talk about this condition called autism, which worries many parents, and how doctors diagnose it.
Simply put, what is autism?
First, let's understand this. Autism is not a disease. It is a developmental disorder of the brain. To be precise, it is called Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) . The word 'spectrum' is very important here. This means that not all children with this condition are the same. Some children may have severe mental disabilities. Others are very intelligent and can function independently. So, don't compare your child with another child with ASD.
Early detection of this condition is very important for the child and the family. Because if detected early, we can help the child develop their abilities and help them. But it is not always easy to detect this. Because there is no lab test for it. That means it cannot be detected with a blood test or a scan. Doctors diagnose this by carefully observing the child's behavior and asking for information from you, the parents.
Diagnosis starts with your pediatrician.
The first step in this journey is to see your child's pediatrician regularly. Usually, babies are taken to the clinic monthly or at regular intervals. Especially at the 18- and 24-month checkups , the doctor will definitely check to see if the child is developing properly. These checks are done even if the child does not seem to have any problems.
At this time, the doctor will look at the child, talk to him, and ask you questions. He will ask you if anyone in the family has this condition, and he will ask you about the child's development and behavior. The answers you give are very important in this diagnosis.
Don't be afraid to answer the doctor's questions honestly. Clearly stating what you think and what you see is the greatest help you can give your child.
Let's see what the doctors pay special attention to.
| Monitoring section | Things the doctor looks for |
|---|---|
| Development Milestones |
|
| Behavior and social relationships |
|
After checking all of this, if you don't have any major problems, that's the end of the matter. But if the doctor has any doubts or notices a delay in your child's development, he or she will refer you to a specialist team for further tests.
What happens next? Meeting with the expert team
If your doctor decides that your child needs further testing, you will next meet with a team of specialists who specialize in autism. This team may typically include:
- Child Psychologist: Examines the child's mental level, intelligence, and behavior.
- Speech-Language Pathologist: Tests the child's ability to speak and understand language.
- Occupational Therapist: looks at the child's daily activities (eating, dressing, playing) and sensory issues.
- Developmental Pediatrician
- Neurologist
These tests mainly look at the child's cognitive level, language abilities, and daily living skills (such as eating, dressing, and using the toilet).
Official recognition of the situation
For a child to be officially diagnosed with autism, they must meet the criteria set out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), a guide published by the American Psychiatric Association.
Simply put, for a child to be diagnosed with ASD, they must demonstrate challenges in two main areas.
1. Challenges in communication and social interaction: Children with ASD have difficulty "connecting" with others, understanding their responses, reading social cues, making eye contact, and carrying on normal conversations. They may start talking later than other children. They may also have difficulties with the muscle control skills needed for things like drawing and playing.
2. Restricted and repetitive behaviors: Children with ASD may exhibit repetitive behaviors such as gesturing in the same way, repeating the same words or phrases, and becoming very upset by even the slightest change in their routine. They may be obsessed with a single subject (e.g., cars, trains, dinosaurs). They may also have sensory issues.
Other tests
Sometimes doctors may also recommend genetic testing to see if there are other conditions that could be causing these symptoms. Also, with advanced technology, there are even software that uses data and artificial intelligence to help diagnose ASD. Although these are not yet common in our country, with the advancement of technology, the help they provide will increase.
Take-Home Message
- Autism is not a disease, it is a developmental disorder of the brain. Every child with this condition is different.
- Early detection is very important for the child's future. So if you have any doubts about your child, don't delay in talking to your pediatrician about it.
- Diagnosis is not something that ends with a single test. It is a process that consists of several steps.
- If your child is diagnosed with ASD, don't panic. There are many specialists and methods that can help your child develop their abilities.
- As a parent, the information you provide is very important during this journey. So be open and honest with your doctor about everything.
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