- Autism is diagnosed clinically, not through lab tests, imaging, or other medical procedures.
- Clinicians gather information from multiple sources, including school performance, home behavior, and social interactions.
- Parent input and direct observation in-office are critical parts of the evaluation process.
- Developmental assessments may help clarify whether a child’s challenges are related to autism or other conditions such as language delays or ADHD.
- The comprehensive evaluation guides providers in recommending the best support strategies for each child.
Autism Diagnostic Tools
Autism is diagnosed through a thorough clinical evaluation that combines parent insights, developmental assessments, and observations across home and school settings to determine the best approach for supporting each child.
Nina Sand-Loud, MD, Child Development
