Practical Guides of ASD Assessment and Health Care Services

Clinical Evaluation Guide of Autism

Though it is possible to diagnose children with ASD in the first 2 years of life, the diagnostic process can be quite complex, as the presentation of infants and toddlers vary from that of an older child with autism. Clinicians mostly look for symptoms of social and communicative dysfunction and they might find it challenging to assess the extent of a child’s social disability or delays. Many structured and semi-structured assessments, such as observational and parent report measures, can assist trained clinicians during diagnosis and offer informed insights (Steiner, Goldsmith, Snow & Chawarska, 2012).

Many studies have shown that symptoms of social disability become more apparent, at least on the group level, around 12 months of age. At this age, behaviors that include responsivity to name, atypical object exploration and repetitive behaviors, and language and nonverbal communication are affected and display anomaly (Steiner, Goldsmith, Snow & Chawarska, 2012). Therefore, diagnosis of autism within the first year of life can still be quite difficult and clinicians should pay great caution when asked to do so.

It is important to note that many ASD symptoms such as diminished social responsivity, behavioral difficulties, and repetitive behavior can also be found in other disorders and syndromes. Thus, a comprehensive diagnosis of ASD in toddlers should be based on assessments of functioning in multiple areas and a review of the child’s health, development, and family history (Steiner, Goldsmith, Snow & Chawarska, 2012). Also, genetic screening for chromosomal abnormalities as well as neurological, vision, and hearing exams can also provide additional evidence (Steiner, Goldsmith, Snow & Chawarska, 2012).

Health Care Services

Studies have shown that families of children with ASD were significantly more at risk of having unmet specialty and therapy care needs. Many families also reported that providers lack the skills to treat the children and they have difficulty obtaining proper care (Chiri & Warfield, 2012). Children with ASD in the studies also experience disparities in unmet health care. Less than 60% of respondents reported that their child had private health insurance only and almost 30% reported having public insurance only (Chiri & Warfield, 2012). Without insurances, families with children with ASD might find it harder to access the care they need. The current situation indicates that there are many unmet health care needs and health care access problems for children with ASD and their families, a problem our government and medical society can work on in the future.

References:

1) Steiner, A. M., Goldsmith, T. R., Snow, A. V., & Chawarska, K. (2012). Practitioner's guide to assessment of autism spectrum disorders in infants and toddlers. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 42(6), 1183-96. 

2) Chiri, G., & Warfield, M. E. (2012). Unmet need and problems accessing core health care services for children with autism spectrum disorder. Maternal and Child Health Journal, 16(5), 1081-91.