What to Know About Autism Screening

You want your child to thrive, and you want to do all you can to help. That includes developmental screening from your pediatrician, including screening for autism. Dr. Dana Stewart at Meadows Medical Center in Kokomo, IN, provides comprehensive medical care for children, including diagnosis and treatment of autism.

What You Need to Know About Autism

Autism is a developmental disorder which should be identified when your child is young, so treatment can begin. You should consider having an autism screening if your child is exhibiting some of these common signs of autism:

• Not responding to their name being called
• Not showing any interest in objects or things
• Avoiding eye contact and wanting to be alone
• Not understanding the feelings of others or their own
• Not speaking or showing delayed speech
• Repeating the same words and phrases
• Getting upset by changing events

If you notice any of these signs, you need to schedule an autism screening with the pediatrician. The autism screening contains several important steps, including:

• Performing a comprehensive medical record review
• Observing your child’s behaviors, mannerisms, cognitive abilities, emotional, and physical delays
• Ordering lab testing to determine if your child has any underlying medical conditions

Your pediatrician may also have you complete a questionnaire about your child’s behaviors, mannerisms, and other factors.

After the autism screening, your pediatrician will develop a comprehensive treatment plan designed to:

• Improve performance
• Enhance behavior
• Develop life skills
• Develop coping mechanisms to deal with life's challenges

Your child should be screened for autism at 18 and 24 months, or earlier if you notice any of the common signs of autism. To find out more about autism testing and assessment, please click here.

Autism screenings can help your child develop and learn more quickly and effectively, so your child can live a full, healthy life. An autism screening gives your child the best chance to thrive.

Want To Know More?

To learn more about autism and autism screening, call Dr. Dana Stewart at Meadows Medical Center in Kokomo, IN. You can reach her in the office by calling (765) 252-4575, so call today.