WHAT IS AUTISM
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using utensils, brushing teeth, or writing. The physical therapist will evaluate the child’s gross motor skills and coordination (e.g., running, biking, throwing, catching). These evaluations should result in recommendations to improve the child’s ability to complete daily living skills. Once each component of the evaluation is completed, the team reviews the findings with each other and then with the family. The team provides a written report to the family which specifies the diagnosis, if any, and the amount and type of services recommended. Parents can then begin to schedule appointments with individual treatment providers. Are any medical tests used to diagnose autism? Although there is no diagnostic laboratory test for ASD, tests are often recommended for the following reasons: 1) to search for a cause, 2) to find out if there are other medical problems that might look like autism (e.g., hearing loss), and 3) to detect additional medical problems that might be co-existing with autism. Audiologic testing is recommended for any child with delayed language or at risk for autism. A child who does not speak or respond to others’ speech may have autism, a hearing problem, or some other condition which interferes with speech. Neuroimaging, the process of capturing images of the brain, may be needed if there is an abnormal neurologic examination not explained by the diagnosis of autism (e.g., non-symmetrical motor examination, cranial nerve abnormalities, microcephaly). Hypopigmented or hyperpigmented skin lesions, in which the skin appears lighter or darker, may be examined by a Woods Lamp. Electroencephalograph (EEG), a test that measures the electrical activity of the brain, may be recommended if the child is demonstrating signs of seizure activity or language regression. Routine clinical neuroimaging, such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), is not recommended as part of the diagnostic evaluation of autism at the present time. Metabolic testing (a blood test) should be considered when there is a history of lethargy, cyclic vomiting, early seizures, intellectual disability, or unusual facial features. Untreated phenylketonuria (PKU) is an example of a metabolic disorder.
Additional blood tests may be recommended. Lead testing is recommended for children with pica (eating substances other than food). Individuals may also have their ferritin level checked if there are concerns of anemia (a lower than normal amount of red blood cells).
“Autism New Jersey gave us hope, allowed us to cry, encouraged our dreams and provided us with the information we’d need to forge ahead.” Gino, father of a son with autism
Genetic testing may be used to rule out Fragile X Syndrome or other genetic disorders. Girls who fail to progress and lose skills following typical development may be tested for a mutation in the MECP2 gene, indicating the presence of Rett’s Disorder. Physicians may also consider other genetic tests such as CGH (microarray). Further medical tests may be recommended by the team. Individual recommendations are based on the child's medical history and symptoms. What causes autism? Currently, there is no known cause of ASD. Research suggests that autism is caused by genetic factors, which may be triggered by environmental causes. Exposure to environmental causes may occur in the womb or during or after birth. Ongoing studies are primarily focused on genetic and environmental causes, such as maternal illnesses during pregnancy, conditions during childbirth, and chemical exposures in the individual’s environment. ASD is not linked to parenting skills or psychological issues. Given the many similarities and differences between individuals with ASD, many researchers suggest that there is likely to be more than one cause of autism. Autism Speaks provides regular updates on the latest findings in autism research at www.autismspeaks.org .
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