Who Can Diagnose Autism? A Guide to Diagnostic Assessments

Before early intervention comes early diagnosis!

Identifying autism spectrum disorder (ASD) at the early stage of a child is important in his development, allowing access to necessary support/intervention and resources. However, many parents face confusion about who can professionally diagnose autism. Could it be the teachers, doctors, psychologists, applied behavioural technicians (ABAT), etc.?

Today, we will explore the roles of different professionals involved in diagnosing autism and provide information on what parents can expect.

What is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?

Autism spectrum disorder is a developmental condition marked by challenges in social communication, repetitive behaviours, and restricted interests. The condition varies widely, both in its presentation and its impact on the daily functioning of the child, which is why it's referred to as a “spectrum.” (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).

The Main Question: Who Can Diagnose Autism?

To understand who can diagnose autism, we must first distinguish between two common assessment types: medical and educational.

• Medical Assessments: These assessments focus on identifying ASD symptoms based on criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) or the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11). A medical assessment determines if symptoms cause clinically significant impairment in social, occupational, or other key areas of functioning.

  
  

• Educational Assessments: School-based evaluations aim to establish whether a child qualifies for special education services. These assessments, conducted by a multidisciplinary school team, support a child’s academic progress and learning needs but are not formal diagnoses of autism.

  
  

As a result of diversity in autism presentations, there is no single assessment tool or professional that can capture the full picture alone. Hence, a team approach ensures that the child's behaviour is assessed from multiple perspectives, which improves diagnostic accuracy. Multidisciplinary evaluations help account for co-occurring conditions, which can often obscure or overlap with autism traits.

Clinical Professionals Involved in Autism Diagnosis

The diversity of autism presentations poses that no single assessment tool or professional can capture the full picture alone. For this reason, a multidisciplinary team approach improves diagnostic accuracy and accounts for co-occurring conditions that may overlap with autism traits.

1. Developmental-Behavioural Pediatricians

Developmental-behavioural paediatricians are physicians who specialize in the growth and development of children and adolescents. They are trained to identify developmental delays and disorders, including autism, through thorough evaluations, which may include medical history reviews, developmental screenings, standardized assessments, and consultations with other specialities. Given their background, they provide a comprehensive view of how a child’s challenges relate to their overall development and work closely with families to develop and monitor an individualized treatment plan for your child.

2. Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists

Child and adolescent psychiatrists are physicians who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders in children. They evaluate signs and symptoms associated with each disorder- including autism and provide comprehensive diagnostic assessments of the child's cognitive abilities, emotional well-being and social functioning.

3. Child Psychologists and Clinical Psychologists

Psychologists with expertise in child development and clinical assessments are trained in diagnosing autism through structured observational tools, cognitive testing, and behavioural assessments. Clinical psychologists are also qualified to assess the wider range of psychological challenges, including co-occurring conditions like anxiety or ADHD, which are common in individuals with autism.

4. Pediatric Neurologists

Pediatric neurologists focus on the brain, spinal cord, and nervous system. While they typically don’t provide diagnosis, however, they often assist in ruling out other neurological issues that contribute to the overall assessment. Some neurologists may also conduct autism assessments. Majorly, neurologists focus more on concerns about seizures or other neurological symptoms that may overlap with autism characteristics.

5. Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs)

SLPs are professionals who are trained to diagnose communication delays, which are often among the first signs of autism. Although they cannot formally diagnose autism on their own, however, they often work alongside other professionals to provide a more complete picture of a child’s development- by identifying speech, language, and social communication challenges, which are important factors in an autism diagnosis

Other Relevant Certification Streamlined In Autism Care

Qualified Service Provider (QSP)

A Qualified Service Provider (QSP) are professional who is certified to provide specific therapeutic services to individuals with developmental disabilities, including autism. They may have training in various therapeutic techniques, though they typically do not conduct diagnostic assessments themselves. Instead, QSPs often work alongside diagnostic professionals to deliver therapy and implement treatment plans.

Applied Behavior Analysis Technician (ABAT)/ RBT (Registered Behavior Technician)

ABATs or RBTs are certified in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, an evidence-based treatment focusing on improving social skills, communication, and behaviour through positive reinforcement. ABATs work under the supervision of Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) to implement therapy but are not involved in diagnosing autism.

Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)

A Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) is a qualified specialist in Applied Behavior Analysis, typically holding a master's degree or higher in behaviour analysis or a related field. BCBAs are certified to design, implement, and oversee ABA therapy programs. They help in developing behaviour intervention plans (BIPs), conducting functional assessments, and supervising technicians like ABATs. Although BCBAs are not authorized to diagnose autism, they can assess specific behavioural patterns and work closely with diagnostic teams, especially if challenging behaviours are a primary concern.

What Next After The Diagnosis?

Remember, support doesn’t end with a diagnosis! Once autism is identified, families can begin working with their healthcare team to develop an intervention plan that may include speech therapy, occupational therapy, behavioural interventions, and family support programs. Early intervention services provide essential skills to help children develop communication, social, and behavioural skills that align with their potential. For inquiries and support, feel free to reach out for professional guidance and resources - click here.

References

American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.).

Dawson, G., Rogers, S., Munson, J., Smith, M., Winter, J., Greenson, J., ... & Varley, J. (2010). Randomized, controlled trial of an intervention for toddlers with autism: The Early Start Denver Model. Pediatrics, 125(1), e17-e23.

Johnson, C. P., & Myers, S. M. (2007). Identification and evaluation of children with autism spectrum disorders. Pediatrics, 120(5), 1183-1215.

Zwaigenbaum, L., Bauman, M. L., Stone, W. L., Yirmiya, N., Estes, A., Hansen, R. L., ... & Wetherby, A. (2015). Early identification of autism spectrum disorder: Recommendations for practice and research. Pediatrics, 136(Supplement 1), S10-S40.