Who diagnoses autism?

Question

My step son turned 8 in May and he has multiple signs of autism. I was just wondering who actually diagnoses autism? Pediatrician? Psychologist? Any advice is appreciated! FYI: we started homeschooling last year due to being bullied and him threatening to kill himself.

Answer

Talk to his pediatrician about your worries and the signs. They can refer you to a specialist to get him tested

Answer

I’m going through the autism diagnosis stages with my almost 2 year old. Your pediatrician should refer you to a pediatric neurology unit. They do an assessment, and then they decide what disabilities he has and they develop a team for him. It can be a LONG road to diagnosis. We have our first neurologist appointment tomorrow, and we are waiting on the date for my son’s assessment. It’s all hurry up and wait. I would imagine that your sons special education teachers would be a great resource for this.

Answer

Have the teachers in school picked up on any of the signs of symptoms?? At that age they should have, I’m in ireland so maybe things are different , he would need to be assessed for sure anyways by a specialist , it’s called an assessment of need officer where I am, they’ll check for any “red flags” .
I think your doctor would be the first person you’d need to see to get the ball Rolling.

Answer

It’s generally a team. Teachers would complete a rating scale, you would do the same. Your dr would consult and then maybe refer you to a psychologist.

Answer

If the parents are supportive and seeing the same indicators, talk to his teacher or the school psych. Each state is a little different, but in our state, parents can request a referral for assessment. The staff will know the steps to take.

Answer

Since starting school, he’s always been behind and he was in special education. Last year, he was being bullied and was threatening to kill himself. My husband and I agreed to homeschooling but I’m struggling with it. He’s obviously not being bullied but he has zero motivation to learn. His reading/spelling is barely a 1st grade level..and this is just the tip of it all.

Who diagnoses autism?

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