Diagnosing autism

Awareness of autism within public and medical domains has continued to increase. Children and young people are being presented for earlier advice, assessment and diagnosis resulting in increasing demand on services. Recently published standards in the recognition, referral and diagnosis of autism mean it remains essential for paediatricians, child and adolescent psychiatrists, general practitioners and allied professionals with a role within developmental child health and child and adolescent mental health to have sound knowledge of the presentation and assessment of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Whilst routes of entry for referrals can vary due to diversity of presentation and local service provision, access to a local multidisciplinary team specialized in ASD assessment is recommended. Early identification of deviation away from the typical developmental trajectory in this group of patients is advantageous in order to maximize their potential, provide targeted intervention and minimize co-morbidities. This review addresses the diagnosis of ASD and provides an assessment framework for professionals who encounter a child with suspected autism.