What Can You Learn From An Autism Spectrum Test?
Recognizing the signs of autism can be challenging at times, including for parents who are unsure of what symptoms to look for. There is no medical test for autism spectrum disorder (ASD), so medical professionals use multiple psychological and cognitive screening tools to closely examine developmental history and behavior to help them make a diagnosis. Below, explore what you might learn from an autism test for yourself or a loved one.
What is autism spectrum disorder?
What is an autism spectrum test?
Multiple screening tools can help providers identify children and adults who may be on the autism spectrum. A positive autism test is not an autism diagnosis; it is a sign to be screened by a mental health professional for a formal diagnosis. Formal diagnostic tools for autism also include assessments, including those on sensory needs, imagination, and other areas of mental health.
Tests for autism spectrum disorder: Autism spectrum quotient and more
Below are some of the most commonly used autism screening tests.
Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT)
The M-CHAT was made for children aged 16 to 30 months. It’s a free questionnaire that asks parents a series of 20 questions about their children’s behavior. Two questions include, “If you point at something across the room, does your child look at it?” and “Does your child make unusual finger movements near [their] eyes?”
Social Attention and Communication Surveillance, Revised (SACS-R) and SACS-Preschool (SACS-PR)
The SACS-R and SACS-PR are for children aged between 12 and 60 months. They are designed to be administered by a trained professional, such as an early childhood educator, psychologist, or other health professional. These tests look at how children communicate and interact with their surroundings.
Social Challenges Screening Questionnaire (SCSQ)
School-aged children are screened using the SCSQ. This test was designed for medical professionals, parents, and educators and can identify children who have level 1 ASD, previously referred to as Asperger syndrome (an outdated term). Questions on this screening tool include, “Does your child have trouble making or keeping friends?” and “Does your child have difficulty following instructions or the flow of simple conversations?”
The Autism Spectrum Quotient
The Autism Spectrum Quotient Test is a self-administered questionnaire that measures Autistic traits in people over age 16 with an IQ over 80. The test has 30 statements, and the person taking the test chooses how well each statement applies to them, from “definitely agree” to “definitely disagree.” Some statements include, “I prefer to do things on my own rather than with others” and “I find numbers, dates, and strings of information fascinating.”
Screening tools for adults
Some screening tools are designed for adults, including but not limited to the following:
- Adult Repetitive Behaviors Questionnaire-2 (RBQ-2A)
- Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire (CAT-Q)
- Ritvo Autism Asperger Diagnostic Scale-Revised (RAADS-R)
Diagnosis
While screening tests can help providers identify people who could benefit from further screening, specific diagnostic criteria are required for an ASD diagnosis. Below, take a closer look at the diagnostic criteria for ASD listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition Revision (DSM-5-TR).
DSM criteria for an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis
To meet the DSM criteria for ASD, a child, teen, or adult must have persistent deficits in each of the three areas:
- Social-emotional reciprocity: Deficits in social-emotional reciprocity, including abnormal speech, failure to engage in normal back-and-forth conversation, and failure to respond to or initiate social interactions
- Communication: Deficits in nonverbal communication in social interactions, including abnormalities in eye contact, poor verbal and non-verbal communication, and lack of eye contact
- Relationships: Deficits in maintaining, developing, and understanding relationships, including difficulties making friends, adjusting behavior to suit different social situations, and a lack of interest in peers
The severity of symptoms is based on restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior and social communication impairments and is rated from level 1 (requires support) to level 3 (requires very substantial support). For an autism diagnosis, someone must also have at least two of the following types of restricted and repetitive behaviors, activities, or interests listed below:
- Repetitive motor movements, speech, or use of objects
- Inflexibility of routines, insistence on sameness, or ritualized patterns
- Highly fixated and very strong interests of abnormal focus or intensity
- Unusual interest in sensory aspects of the environment or hyper- or hypoactivity to sensory input
Symptoms must also be present early in the developmental period and cause significant impairment in occupational, social, and other areas of functioning. These symptoms must also not be better explained by another neurodevelopmental disorder or intellectual disability, such as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Note that adults can be diagnosed as Autistic later in life if symptoms were present in their childhood. When meeting with a provider, they may provide a family history or have a family member help them discuss their behaviors throughout life to aid in diagnosis.
Importance of early identification and self-awareness
Early identification of ASD may benefit children because early intervention programs can improve functional outcomes and quality of life. However, early diagnosis can be challenging because symptoms may be difficult to pick up on before the child starts school, and symptoms can differ from one child to the next. Some parents or caregivers may also have a poor understanding of the early symptoms of ASD.
Some pediatricians may complete autism screening tests for all patients at well visits. However, if you have concerns about ASD or other developmental disorders, talk to your child's healthcare provider about early screening. If you’re an adult seeking an autism assessment for yourself, look for a provider with experience in diagnosing adults.
Health implications
ASD can also be associated with several physical and mental health conditions. Symptoms of these conditions may be what initially raise concerns about ASD in some cases.
Physical health
Children and adults with ASD may experience some of the following physical health challenges:
- Gastrointestinal problems, including constipation, reflux, and abdominal pain
- Feeding issues, including overeating and pica
- Epilepsy, which has symptoms like unexplained staring spells, involuntary movements, sleepiness, or severe headaches
- Sleep problems
Mental health
Symptoms of ASD can overlap with other mental health conditions, but ASD is also commonly comorbid with several other mental health conditions, including the following:
- ADHD
- Anxiety, especially social anxiety disorder
- Depression
- Bipolar disorder
- OCD
- Schizophrenia
- Down syndrome
Treatment
Treatment for ASD varies depending on symptoms and is often aimed at reducing symptoms that interfere with quality of life and daily functioning. Multiple approaches to treatment are available, and a combination of more than one approach is often recommended. Autistic children, adolescents, and adults may benefit from behavioral approaches. However, if you’re seeking treatment options, consider researching all modalities and resources before starting, gaining multiple perspectives to understand which modalities are considered most effective and ethical.
Some providers may recommend developmental approaches to treating ASD to help children or adults develop specific developmental skills. For example, speech and language therapy may help people with ASD improve communication, speech, and language. Occupational therapy may also help people with ASD learn skills to increase independence, like eating, dressing, and bathing. Physical therapy can help improve gross and fine motor skills. Treatment can also include teaching social-relationship skills, such as increasing interests and motivation and learning and practicing social skills.
Getting support
Psychotherapy can also be an effective treatment for people with ASD, particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). In CBT, a therapist works with the person with ASH to identify and change the thoughts that lead to problematic behaviors and feelings. This type of therapy can be effective at helping people with ASD manage feelings of anxiety and depression and learn to recognize their emotions and cope with social situations. In addition to supporting people with ASD learn to manage their symptoms, therapy can also be beneficial for parents, caregivers, or family members of people with this condition.
Some symptoms of autism can make in-person treatment challenging for people with ASD or their loved ones. In these cases, online therapy can be a flexible, convenient option to traditional therapy. With an online therapy platform like BetterHelp, you don’t have to worry about commuting to an office or sitting in a waiting room. You can attend sessions via video chat or phone from your own home or anywhere you have a reliable internet connection. Research has found that online treatment for ASD is also effective. For example, one study found that “Web-based interventions can effectively reduce symptoms in children and young people with neurodevelopmental disorders.”
Takeaway
What are mild autism symptoms?
In the DSM-5-TR, autism symptoms are organized into one of three categories of severity: levels one, two, and three. In a professional evaluation, a mental health provider will look at body language, daily routine, ability to hold small talk, and pattern recognition abilities, among other tests, to see how much support Autistic people may require based on their behaviors. Someone who has fewer support needs may be given the “level one” label, whereas Autistic adults who may require constant supervision and caregiving receive the “level three” label. The difference between the two groups is the level of independence, support needs, and ability to function daily.
What is a low level of autism?
Autistic individuals are only diagnosed using the level system, and autism spectrum disorder is generally considered a spectrum, so not everyone has the same needs in the same level category. Someone who has level one autism has the least support needs but still requires some support and may struggle with daily life. This level is often considered the “low” level of autism.
What are five of the common signs of autism?
Below are five common signs of autism to look out for in yourself or someone you love:
- Pattern recognition and repetition: Autistic people often notice patterns and small details others don’t see. They may repeat these patterns, such as frequently lining up objects or memorizing phone numbers.
- Extreme interests: Autistic people may become strongly absorbed in their interests, intertwining their identity with these interests.
- Social deficits: Social challenges are a requirement for an autism diagnosis. These challenges might include difficulties understanding people’s intentions, struggling with small talk, not verbally communicating, lacking eye contact, and other forms of social struggles.
- Rigidity: Autistic people are often rigid about schedules, ideas, and thought patterns. They may struggle to change routines or transition into new environments, even from the shower to the cold air of the house. They may carefully plan every aspect of daily life and become distressed when plans are changed or interrupted.
- Sensory needs: Autistic children and adults may struggle with sensory input. They may be highly sensitive to the environment around them, becoming overly stimulated by bright lights, loud noises, or bad smells. They may partake in repetitive movements or activities to calm themselves (called “stimming”).
What are the red flags for autism?
When looking for autism in a young child or toddler, look for delays in developmental milestones, such as speaking, walking, and connecting with others. Children who don’t interact with their environments, don’t respond when spoken to, and become hyperfixated on patterns or ideas may be Autistic. Talk to a doctor for more information on screening.
What does level one autism look like?
Level one autism requires the least amount of support. Prior to this category in the DSM-5, the condition was referred to as “Asperger’s syndrome,” a now-outdated term. People with this level of autism may still benefit from support, such as therapy or outpatient services. However, they may be more independent and be able to hold jobs, relationships, and living situations more easily, although they may still struggle.
What is the biggest indicator of autism?
All people with autism are different, but big signs that someone might have autism spectrum disorder could include social deficits, not speaking or interacting with one’s environment, or frequent stimming behaviors. Other signs of autism include developmental delays, lack of eye contact, and intense interests.
How can you tell if someone is a high-functioning Autistic person?
No two Autistic people are the same, and some people with autism don’t enjoy using functional labels, as they relate more to seeing autism on a spectrum like a circle, in which everyone falls in a different area of the circle in what needs they struggle with or exceed in. Someone who has a lower level of autism may be more able to socialize, work, and have relationships, though they may struggle significantly in other areas, such as sensory processing or transitions.
What is the hardest age for autism?
All life stages of an Autistic person’s life continue to have symptoms of autism, as autism is not curable. Some people may say that early childhood is more difficult, whereas others may note that their teenage years were difficult. If you’re Autistic or have a child with an autism diagnosis, talk to your doctor about symptoms and support options.
How do I confirm I have autism?
The best way to know if you have autism is to get an autism assessment from a licensed professional. Often, psychiatrists and psychologists offer these tests, but a therapist may be able to provide these assessments, too, if they have experience in doing so. If there are long waitlists or high costs on assessments near you, consider getting assessed online or talking to your primary care doctor about referral options. In addition, a local university may have clinical students who offer analysis for cheaper than traditional options.
What is the strongest cause of autism?
Autism is considered highly genetic, with many children with the condition being born to parents who are also Autistic. Autism is also highly connected to other developmental conditions, such as ADHD and cerebral palsy.
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