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Diagnosis
Autism can be diagnosed early in one's life, but is done differently for everyone. Typically, children with autism experience developmental delays in speech and social skills. Upon observation of these delays, parents can bring their child to a specialist for diagnostic tests that evaluate symptoms. These include the M-CHAT, or Modified Checklist of Autism in Toddlers, or other developmental screenings and diagnostic evaluations. If autism is not diagnosed until later on, a physician may ask for the input of family members or schoolmates to further understand the child's behavior and make a diagnosis.
Geggel, L. (2016). Autism: Symptoms, Diagnosisand Treatment. Retrieved from http://www.livescience.com/34704-autism-symptoms-diagnosis-and-treatments.html
Autism Speaks Staff (n.d.) How is Autism Diagnosed?. Retrieved from https://www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism/diagnosis
Geggel, L. (2016). Autism: Symptoms, Diagnosisand Treatment. Retrieved from http://www.livescience.com/34704-autism-symptoms-diagnosis-and-treatments.html
Autism Speaks Staff (n.d.) How is Autism Diagnosed?. Retrieved from https://www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism/diagnosis
Treatment
Though autism cannot be cured, it can be treated. Behavioral and educational therapies can be implemented early on to assist a child with learning and social disabilities. Applied Behavioral Analysis, or ABA, is one of the most widely used treatments. It uses reward systems to positively reinforce certain behaviors. Behavioral therapies like this are the most widely accepted effective treatment for autism, as they can help a child's future independence. To help iwth learning disabilities, an Individualized Education Plan, or IEP, may be implemented. Though they do not treat the causes of autism, medications may also be utilized to treat symptoms, such as irritability and anxiety.
Geggel, L. (2016). Autism: Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment. Retrieved from http://www.livescience.com/34704-autism-symptoms-diagnosis-and-treatments.html
Autism Speaks Staff (n.d.) How is Autism Diagnosed?. Retrieved from https://www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism/diagnosis
Geggel, L. (2016). Autism: Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment. Retrieved from http://www.livescience.com/34704-autism-symptoms-diagnosis-and-treatments.html
Autism Speaks Staff (n.d.) How is Autism Diagnosed?. Retrieved from https://www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism/diagnosis