Understanding the Autism Testing Process and How Autism is Tested
When you’re a parent, your children are the center of your world. You’re the first one to notice all the special things about them that stand out and make them who they are. Sometimes, this can bring along questions and concerns that many parents face at some point. Maybe it begins because your toddler has a fascination with arranging blocks in precise sequences, or they retreat quietly away from the family’s efforts at communication and attempts to interact. These could be signs of autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
The decision to test for autism is a hard step for any family, and it’s a conversation that can cause both strain on relationships and polarized opinions in some cases. While testing can feel overwhelming, it also brings hope and the chance for meaningful understanding, as well as a path forward to a better future for your child. It’s a decision that can have a big impact on your family, raising questions for everyone about what comes next.
Questions like “how autism is tested?” and “what interventions or supports are available after early autism testing?” Are normal and important for parents of autistic children, even if the answers can seem a little overwhelming at first. Together, we’ll take a look at some of the key autism testing methods, diagnostic tools, how they work, and how Scottsdale PBS can support your family’s journey along the way.
Why Early Autism Testing Is So Important
Early testing for autism allows earlier support and therapeutic interventions, which is critical for the 1 in 36 kids in the U.S. living with autism. Autism influences a child’s cognitive processes, how they communicate, connect to family members and peers socially, and how they behave, with symptoms ranging from speech delays to repetitive actions or obsessive fixations and special interests. Advances in testing methods have made it possible to achieve an early diagnosis of autism as early as 18 months of age. Which allows interventions like Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to tap into the brain’s neuroplasticity and boost language development and social engagement along with other skills.
Scottsdale PBS offers diagnostic autism assessments for toddlers, young children and teenagers, in addition to a suite of support, therapy, and interventional programs to assist families.
Breaking Down the Test Process for an Autism Diagnosis
Testing for autism is more than a single simple exam or questionnaire—it’s a comprehensive process combining insights from parents and family members, professional observations in various settings, using standardized testing tools. The goal is to identify whether or not your child shows core symptoms of autism, such as difficulty with emotional and social communication, or repetitive behaviors and obsessive fixations, while ruling out other conditions, like developmental delays. The process typically involves the efforts of a multidisciplinary team of professionals, including pediatricians, psychologists, and developmental specialists, and can take place over several visits. From the insights gathered through this process, experts create a clearer picture of your child’s strengths and needs, which are used to build a tailored intervention plan for your child.
Which Testing Tools Are Used for an Autism Diagnosis?
Several standardized tools form the backbone of autism diagnosis, each offering a unique peak into your child’s development. Here’s a look at some of the available tools and how they work.
Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2)
The ADOS-2 is a cornerstone of autism diagnosis. It takes place during a 40-60 minute play-based assessment led by a trained clinician in a comfortable setting. Your child is typically placed in a room with a variety of toys and other stimuli, where a specialist will go through scenarios like offering a toy truck or stuffed animal to see if they share, or telling stories to gauge their emotional response and attention. A toddler with autism might fixate on a toy’s spinning wheel or distract themself with repetitive behaviors instead of engaging, offering clues about social and communication patterns. The ADOS-2 uses standardized scoring, covering eye contact, gestures, and repetitive actions, ensuring objective insights across ages.
Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R)
The ADI-R consists of a 1-2 hour long conversation with a clinician, diving deep into your child’s developmental journey and milestones. You might share memories like when you first noticed your child starting to line up toys by size, or how they rarely babbled or cried as a baby. These details, which are gathered through structured questions that mimic a natural conversation, reveal patterns in your child’s social engagement, communication, and behavior.
The ADI-R relies on capturing your unique perspective as a parent, bringing extra depth and background to direct observations.
Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS-2)
The CARS-2 is a 15-30 minute broad autism assessment that combines clinical observations with your input to gauge autism severity. During CARS-2 tests, a specialist might look for things like shying away from eye contact or reacting strongly to loud noises. By scoring across 15 areas, like social responses and sensory sensitivities, the CARS-2 offers a severity rating—mild, moderate, or severe—to guide intervention plans. Its quick, broad approach makes it ideal for initial autism screenings or follow-ups.
Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT)
The M-CHAT is a simple 5-10 minute parent questionnaire, most often taken during regular pediatric visits for toddlers aged 16-30 months. You’ll answer questions like, “Does your child point to show interest?” or “Do they look when you call their name?” A higher score might signal the need for further evaluation. As an accessible screening tool, the M-CHAT spots early autism signs parents should watch out for fast, and usually leads to specialist referrals if a high score is received.
Other Autism Assessment Options for Your Consideration
Sometimes, the diagnostic process requires some extra steps. Developmental screening tools, like the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ), track milestones during routine scheduled checkups. Speech or occupational therapy evaluations might dive into specific challenges your child faces, like language delays or sensory reactions, ensuring other conditions, such as hearing issues, are safely ruled out. Scottsdale PBS coordinates these multidisciplinary assessments to create a holistic view of your child’s development.
Get Guidance for Autism Tests from Scottsdale PBS
The road to an autism diagnosis is rarely easy or one-size-fits-all. Specialist waitlists or limited access in rural areas might slow you down, in which case, you can try reaching out to multiple providers or exploring telehealth options. Cultural stigmas can also make testing seem intimidating, but open conversations with professionals can shift that perspective. Financial hurdles exist for many families, but thankfully, many states offer low-cost intervention programs. If you have concerns regarding your child’s development, don’t hesitate to seek a specialist directly for a diagnostic evaluation. Scottsdale PBS smooths these obstacles with accessible, family-centered services in our comfortable 17,000-square-foot facility in Scottsdale, AZ.
If you’re seeing early autism signs in your child, don’t let uncertainty stop you from getting clarity. Tests and early interventions are critical for the success of your child’s future. Contact Scottsdale PBS today for expert autism diagnostic assessments and personalized therapeutic intervention and skills-building programs. Our compassionate team is ready to guide you with skills and care through the worry and confusion of a childhood autism diagnosis into clearer, brighter skies. Reach out now to give your child the best start!