Signs & Symptoms of Autism

At Autism West, we hear questions like this from parents and teachers each fall. Is it school adjustment, poor coping skills, bad behavior, or could my child have Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Nearly 20% of children and adults exhibit some form of neurodiversity, and early diagnosis of autism is increasingly recognized as a foundation of school success for struggling students.

Signs an Autism Test Might Make Sense

Have you observed any of the following behaviors or challenges for a child in your life? If so, share them with your medical provider and discuss if testing might be the right next step. 

• Social communication barriers
• Struggles to play well with others, understand social cues, and play rules
• Repeats the same behavior or action over and over
• Rigid or restrictive about foods, routines, or common activities
• Sensory overload from common levels of sound, touch, or other stimulation
• Challenges with eye contact or facial expressions
• Outsized struggles when plans or routines change
• Intense focus on specific topics or objects

The Importance of Early Testing for Autism & ADHD

Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Alex Himel brings extensive experience in mental health counseling and assessing children. She explains, "The first three years of a child’s life are the window of opportunity for language development. Case studies of kids who miss that window show they really struggle to develop those skills later on."

“We want to capture that window for early speech and social development. The sooner we can get in there and start working on that, the better the future will be for these children." 

The Right Age for Autism Testing

The CDC recommends routine pediatrician screenings at 9, 18, and 24-month check-ups, followed by another screening from a behavioral health specialist if autism is suspected.  The CDC confirms that autism test results are accurate starting at 18-24 months, and that early identification of autism is one critical factor for successful skill-building and autism treatment. Autism testing can begin very early. 

Himel notes, "Early assessments for autism are designed for children as young as twelve months.” 

While ASD and ADHD are frequently identified together, ADHD testing typically occurs in elementary school, but proactive autism testing can provide some early hints. As Rosario Escobado, Autism West Enrollment Coordinator, points out.  "With ADHD it's not until a kid is around 6 or so, and you need educator involvement and observations from the school environment."

However, ASD & ADHD testing is also frequently recommended to adults facing challenges with social communication, flexibility in work and parenting, or personal relationships.

What does testing look like?

"A lot of the testing is actually fun. The kids really like it because it looks like playing, and it's helpful for the parents too to have some answers," says Himel.

At Autism West, we offer a comprehensive three-session testing model that draws on parent experience, provides education and helps providers see the child in a more natural environment.  Over the course of a few weeks, experienced providers guide families through these steps to identify neurodiversity.

• Parent Background Session
• Play Assessment
• Parent Debrief
• Report & therapy recommendations
• Insurance approval
• Applied Behavioral Analysis(ABA) assessment and treatment plan, if indicated

“We like to see how the kiddo works in a non-structured environment. What do they like to play with? How do they interact with us and with their environment,” Himel says.

Our testing model seeks to quickly and affordably identify the right diagnosis and treatment strategies, and was designed to address months-long psychological testing waitlists often priced out of reach of many families. 

Common ASD Testing Tools

Providers select tools based on the client’s age.  The ADOS2 is considered authoritative as young as 12 months through adulthood.  However, in adults, learned masking behaviors can require more provider interpretation to get an accurate diagnosis. 

For children ages 2 and up, the MCHAT is the primary resource, and creates age-appropriate social scenarios like birthday parties, bubble blowing, and bedtime to gauge developmental milestones. Autism Speaks offers the MCHAT for free here in multiple languages. 

A Path to Future Success

Whether you are a parent, teacher, or neighbor to a child living with neurodiversity, autism testing can provide answers, new coping skills, and a path to success at school, in friendships, and at home.  Pediatric studies consistently show growth and better outcomes for children diagnosed with ASD before age six, but it’s never too late to get tested. 

More questions about ASD or ADHD Testing?  Check out our Frequently Asked Questions or Contact Us for a personal consultation.