Autism Spectrum Disorder Early Detection

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are a group of different neurodevelopmental disorders that cause problems in the emotional and communicative sphere. Have you noticed that your child does not speak, or do you think he or she has a developmental delay? An early diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders may be worthwhile.

ASD is characterized by a triad of impairments: stereotypical behaviour, communication problems and an inability to interact with society. Various nonspecific conditions associated with difficulty in transitioning from one activity to another, excessive focus on details and unusual reactions to sensations may also be identified.

If you encounter the aforementioned peculiarities in your child, the experienced specialists at the Centre for Brain Stimulation can help you find the cause and find the right tools to correct them. A timely referral for diagnosis and treatment will enable behaviour and mental development to be corrected and the best possible social adaptation to be achieved.

It is difficult to accurately describe the behaviour of a child with autism or other ASDs, as the manifestations will vary from case to case. For this reason, any or a combination of the signs described above should be a reason to contact a specialist who provides early diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders in children. Timely detection of developmental disorders and early intervention will ensure that the child has a good socialisation and adaptation rate.

Modern testing methods can detect early detection of ASD disorders such as Asperger's syndrome, Kanner syndrome, atypical autism, high-functioning autism, autistic psychopathy, childhood disintegrative disorder and childhood schizoid disorder.

Autism Diagnosis Methods Used at the Centre for Brain Stimulation

Early diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders in children, their treatment and correction are carried out by a child psychotherapist and psychiatrist. The Centre employs experienced specialists to work with these patients, who can accurately identify the type of disorder and select the corrective programme needed for the child in question.

The first stage of diagnosis of autism in children is often carried out by paediatricians. They use special questionnaires for parents/guardians and the child to make an early diagnosis of autism and ASD. If abnormalities are detected, the patient is referred to a child psychotherapist.

Diagnosing ASD and autism in children includes the following techniques:

• collection of medical history;
• assessment of mental status;
• physical, laboratory and instrumental procedures.

The questionnaires and tests used to diagnose autism and ASD include:

• ADOS.
  The scale is applicable from the age of 1.5 years. The play-based study consists of 4 modules: 1 for children who can speak in single words, 2 for those who speak in multi-word sentences, 3 for fluent children, and 4 for fluent adolescents and adults. The ADOS-2 autism test is the "gold standard" for identifying ASD and evaluates features of social interaction and communication.
• ADI-R test.
  The autism test is administered by an experienced psychologist by interviewing parents or guardians and the child. The ADI-R test can be used for children as young as 2 years old.
• CHAT test.
  The method helps to identify autism at 1.5-2.5 years of age. The questionnaire consists of 23 questions that are administered to an adult (parent/guardian) who knows the child well. Based on the results, a preliminary diagnosis can be made.
• CASD test.
  The test is recommended for children aged 2-6 years. The questionnaire consists of 15 groups of questions, each with 4 options. The CASD test is administered to the whole of the child's immediate environment for a comprehensive analysis.
• LEITER-3 test.
  It is used to assess cognitive abilities and non-verbal intelligence. The LEITER-3 test is intended for children over 3 years of age. It makes it possible not only to identify neurodevelopmental delays but also to evaluate intellectual levels and determine a test taker's giftedness and potential.
• REP-3 Profile.
  he test consists of 10 blocks comprising 172 items. 6 sections of the RER-3 are used to test for age-specific developmental levels, the remaining 4 for maladaptive behaviours.
• ATEC test.
  The method is used to assess the outcome of treatment for autism or ASD. It is divided into 4 blocks, which serve to test sensory, socialisation, cognitive abilities, behaviour, speech, communication and health status.

Advantages of Autism Diagnosing at the Centre for Brain Stimulation

The specialists at the Centre for Brain Stimulation use all of the above diagnostic methods to examine children with an autism spectrum disorder. Each test is certified according to Ukrainian legislation and is used in line with the recommendations of the world and European communities.

Among the benefits received when contacting:

1. Highly qualified specialists.
2. Comprehensive and individual approach.
3. Ability to get help from experienced speech pathologists, psychologists, speech therapists, neurologists and other health professionals.
4. Comfortable environment.
5. Confidentiality.

Doctors

If you are worried about signs of ASD in a child, contacting the specialists at the Centre for Brain Stimulation can help make an accurate diagnosis and begin effective treatment of the neurodevelopmental disorders detected. Contact the contact centre operators to make an appointment with a psychologist or pediatric psychiatrist.