Suspected autism spectrum disorder

Some signs appear in infancy or early childhood, while others become clearer when social or language expectations increase, such as at school age. Detection depends on the type and intensity of signs.

Notes about social responses, language milestones, repetitive behaviours, play patterns and sensory reactions are useful. Recording examples and when they occur helps clinicians during assessment, but professional evaluation is needed for diagnosis.

No. Screening tools indicate whether further assessment is warranted; a formal diagnosis requires a comprehensive evaluation by experienced professionals.

After primary care, assessments may involve developmental pediatrics, child psychiatry, clinical psychology, speech-language therapy and occupational therapy, depending on the concerns identified.