Who Diagnoses Autism Spectrum Disorder?

Autism Spectrum Disorder is typically diagnosed by a multidisciplinary team of qualified professionals rather than a single individual. Because there is no medical test for autism, these experts rely on behavioral observations, developmental history, and standardized tools.

Key professionals involved in the diagnostic process include:

• Developmental Pediatricians: These specialists evaluate child growth, assess developmental milestones, and rule out other medical conditions.
• Child Psychologists: These professionals focus on evaluating behaviors and administering standardized tests, such as the ADOS-2, to identify specific symptoms.
• Neurologists: They assess brain-related factors and check for neurological comorbidities like seizures.
• Child Psychiatrists: These medical doctors are also qualified to conduct evaluations and provide a formal diagnosis.
• Supporting Specialists: Evaluation teams may also include speech-language pathologists and occupational therapists to provide a comprehensive view of a child’s communication and sensory needs.

For children, the process often begins with initial screenings by general practitioners or pediatricians during well-child visits at 18 and 24 months. If red flags are identified, the family is referred to the specialists mentioned above for a formal evaluation based on DSM-5 or ICD-11 criteria.