Diagnosing ASD

Ok would you like to know how ASD is diagnosis; well, it has to be diagnosed by a paediatrician or a psychiatrist or a psychologist.

The specialist uses some standard tests to make a diagnosis, but someone must have lasting difficulties in social communication and social interaction in multiple situations to be diagnosed with ASD.

They must also have restricted interests and activities and repetitive patterns of behaviour. These traits must have been present from an early life and must significantly affect their life.

A diagnosis will also include a classification based on the level of support the person needs, there are three levels.

Level 1 People requiring support

Level 2 People requiring substantial support

Level 3 People requiring very substantial support as they are     severely affected.

There was a time when it was believed that boys were four times more likely to have autism than girls, this is wrong although ASD is underdiagnosed in females, due to a few different reasons.

Most studies focus on males, so not as much is known about ASD in females. Studies have shown that autistic females have different characteristics compared to males. Females seem to be better at masking or hiding their autistic characteristics to fit in.

Some other factors in females include.

Stronger language and communication skills

Mimicry of others in social situations

Less aggression

Shy and passive behaviour

The ability to contain emotions in public, but prone to outbursts at home

Many females find out they have autism as adults