Parents, teachers, policy makers, and clinicians all know how important it is to get an early, accurate diagnosis of an autistic disorder. Early diagnosis means early intervention, which can mean a better life and greater educational and social opportunities. Much of the literature on the subject of diagnosis is about demonstrating that tests test what they say they’re going to test and that if any two clinicians looked at the same child and their results, they would agree on a diagnosis.

Some children diagnosed with ASD at 2 have a different diagnosis at 4 ... more

Screening for autism should be done again at age 2 if diagnosis made early ... more

Younger siblings of children with ASD need developmental screening, too. ... more

Word loss in toddlers may be early sign of autism ... more

ASD and ADHD - Can they co-exist? ... more

Autism vs. Aspergers
Research review shows no clear evidence that they are different. ... more

MRI measures
New research shows MRI scans may be able to predict autism. ... more

Brain abnormalities in autism
Does white matter matter? ... more

Age of recognition of first disturbances
Do earlier symptoms mean more severe autism later? ... more

Autism interrupted?
Baby sibs study holds hope for reversing behaviors before they become embedded ... more