How Is Autism Diagnosed?

Throughout April, which is Autism Awareness Month, Fox 5 News seeks to educate others on the challenges facing so many families today. How do professionals make a diagnosis? It is a scary, trying, and confusing time for parents. One family talks about their journey.
R.J. Garofalo, 3, has autism and is nonverbal. When his mom recalls the day he was diagnosed, it brings tears to her eyes. She says it was devastating.

Like most parents whose children have autism, Angela and Joe saw signs in their little boy before his first birthday. R.J. was not talking, not responding, and not listening to her voice, Angela says.

Joe says they brought him to different doctors, but a pediatrician won't give an autism diagnosis. Instead, he or she will refer you to a neurologist and in term a hearing specialist. The process can take six months or longer and can be confusing and overwhelming.

Dr. Catherine Lord of New York-Presbyterian's Center for Autism and the Developing Brain in White Plains points out no medical test exists to tell if a child has autism. You don't do a blood test or a brain scan.

She explains that a team of specialists can diagnose a child at the age of 2 after observing them for several hours in two or more sessions, playing and interacting with their parents. Dr. Lord has been treating R.J. since his diagnosis. She says early intervention is critical.

R.J.'s progress has been dramatic over the past year, she says.
Joe says a year ago R.J. would just stare off, but now he laughs and plays. Angela says she doesn't worry for R.J. anymore. She says she isn't scared anymore -- she is hopeful.

--LINDA SCHMIDT

[MAGNUM]

In August 1993, I was born and diagnosed with high functioning autism. After 29 years of having autism, I'm not ashamed of who I am.

[asmongoldsmouth]

I don't know how a parent can say a diagnoses of autism for their child is devastating. That is harsh. I'm convinced one of my boys is autistic and I love him to bits. He can live with me forever. He is a precious, sweet boy. He is a gift and perfect the way he is.

[rcarrascc]

Devastating? Jesus woman, chill. Its not testicular cancer or sth

[AGKRULES]

I have autism too, I’ve been diagnosed with autism since a born baby. I’m 21 years old and still happy the way I am.

[anon]

Why is it terrifying, devastating and sad? I'm autistic and I love who I am. Poor kid having to put up with ableist parents.

There's nothing wrong with your child! Good grief... just adapt to his needs instead of being cruel and calling his neurotype "deviating"

[olliverquyn]

It isnt like a devastating thing... It is just somethting that exists

[anonymousyoutuber]

I got suspected for having autism in school at age 6 with having ADHD and learning disability. All throughout elementary, middle and highschool. Once I got out of school got a job struggled to memorize, count remember and focus, then i reached for professional help with my doctor to find out that I had ADHD.

[im.strry]

Autism isn't a bad thing or a disease♡
We don't HAVE autism we ARE autistic♡
High/low functioning labels are harmful+incorrect♡
Autism should be celebrated♡
If you are autistic u are great♡
Have a nice day (⁠*⁠˘⁠︶⁠˘⁠*⁠)⁠.⁠｡⁠*⁠♡

[Natty]

I was actually misdiagnosed with Autism when I was 5. I walked on my toes which is an early sign, I had a few tics and my teacher freaked out. They said I had it and my parents took me to the doctor. The doctor said I didn't have it, he referred us to a specialist just in case and they said to the school. "Don't put a label on that child, she does not at Autism."

[rosepovilonis]

It’s not a horrible thing to say it’s devastating. I know there’s something not right with my 2 year old and I’m obsessed with him and he can live with me forever but it is overwhelmingly upsetting, that he may be my only child will not have a normal life and not experience happiness the way not autistic, people do

[lrowerowe]

I dont like loud noises such as fireworks or fire crackers, I dont like when people get too close, I have trouble looking people in the eye .

[kattymeow]

Why would you be devastated? These children are amazing! And you can't love one more than you can love your own! I expected it with my son, and wouldn't want him any other way. He's 3, and we're going through the diagnosis

[aziraphalesmiracles]

"devestating" this isnt about you, its not a curse, its not a disease, get over yourself and focus on how your child feels. sigh

[AUnicorn]

Autism can be a gift and can be a curse, also autism is in girls too

[PPCPackOpenings]

If you were partially autistic (borderline), then would it be better to lie on the test to get diagnosed with autism? To prevent from suffering a life of autism without a medical diagnose.

[PheonixStarsx]

Hi I am 13 and ever since I was born I always had problems.its hard to understand people and when I talk about somthing I love I can’t stop talking about it I can tell you sewing patterns for bjd dolls and how to make a wig cap, and sing the whole undertale soundtrack and draw characters form memory ..at school I always get in trouble and I have this threapy talk with this social worker ..I want to get a brain scan for my Brian to see if I might have autism or bipolar disorder

[corrigana]

I have pdd nos which is under the autism spectrum umbrella

[Musicrolup]

They saying Early intervention is critical.
And those who diagnosed at there 30 or 40 or even 60 passed there whole life without any support.
So which is right

[hemprope]

1. Kid can do math or has a social quirk no matter how small it may be

2. *Done*

[LifeWithShawn]

Im in the process of getting assessed for autism, ive already saw a specialist who asked me austic related questions last month and i couldnt stop our conversation when it was just me and the specialist 1 on 1 ( Dont know if thats a symptom ) . Im 17 and hadnt ben tested up until this year . Even if i did get diagnosed it would probably only be high functioning / level 1 ASD . My parents mainly said i struggled with social interaction but the possibilities are high after dwelling on my life history at school & home