"
Autism is diagnosed based on clinical observation and testing by
a professional using one or more standardized tests. Professionals
most likely to diagnose autism are psychologists, psychiatrists,
developmental pediatricians, and school psychologists. Some of the
screenings and tests which may be used in the diagnostic process
are: CARS (Childhood Autism Rating Scale), Autism Diagnostic
Checklist Form E-2, CHAT (Checklist for Autism in Toddlers), M-CHAT
(Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers), Pervasive
Developmental Disorders Screening Test -2, ADOS (Autism Diagnostic
Observation Scale), and ADI-R (Autism Diagnostic Interview -
Revised).
In addition, parental interview and medical history are taken
into consideration.
The current version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of
Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) has specific criterion required to make a
diagnosis of autism, or a Pervasive Development Disorder.
There are five disorders under the PDD umbrella which include
Autism, Aspergers, Rhett's Syndrome, Childhood Disintegrative
Disorder, and PDD-NOS (not otherwise specified).
The diagnosis of autism may be made when a specified number of
characteristics listed in the DSM-IV are present. "
