Skip directly to search Skip directly to A to Z list Skip directly to navigation Skip directly to page options Skip directly to site content

Why Is This Case Important?

A boy in a jacket

It is important for parents to understand there is no specific lab test or procedure to diagnose ASD.

Rather, the diagnosis is made on the basis of detailed information obtained from the child’s caregivers, careful observation of the child, and the use of standardized tools specifically designed to help diagnose ASD. The diagnosis may be made by a clinician who has expertise in the diagnosis of ASD or by a team of specialists that may include developmental-behavioral pediatricians, child neurologists, child psychiatrists, psychologists, speech-language pathologists, occupational or physical therapists, educators, and social workers.

 

Navigating the Modules

  • Use the links at the lower left and right of each page to move forward and backward through the course.
  • Each section of the case is followed by a series of questions.
  • Some questions have multiple tabs; please be sure to click them all.
  • Be on the lookout for videos that show key content and materials you can download and use in practice.
  • Following completion of the entire module, you will be given a link directing you to the CDC Training and Continuing Education Online website to secure CE credit.
  • At any time during the module, you can use the “Course Information” links to find information about the course, navigating the module and continuing education credit. You will not exit the module by clicking on these links.
A boy playing dress up

Key Learning Objectives

  1. Be familiar with the basic principles regarding the diagnosis and epidemiology of ASD
    • Describe the two primary areas of impairment in ASD and the severity rating system.
    • Know the currently reported estimate of the prevalence of ASD in the U.S.
    • Describe the current evidence for the genetic etiology of ASD
  2. Understand the diagnostic approach to evaluating a child with suspected ASD
    • Identify the important elements of a comprehensive history
    • Recognize the important features to assess when observing a child’s behavior
    • List the aspects of the physical exam that are of particular importance when evaluating for ASD
    • Describe the components of a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation for ASD

Back

1 of 13

Next

Information For…

TOP