Diagnosing Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) while clarifying a differential diagnosis and referring to mental illness and accompanying neurodevelopmental illness.
The autistic spectrum disorder is a developmental neurobiological disorder that exists on a continuum and is characterized by communication and social interaction difficulties, and repetitive and narrow interests or stereotypical behaviour. In order to establish a diagnosis of autism, a doctor and a psychologist are needed, each of whom determined that this is the diagnosis. That is, there is an agreement between them on the diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Which professionals may diagnose autism is detailed in the CEO's circular for diagnosing children on the autism spectrum https://www.health.gov.il/hozer/mk15_2013.pdf
When there is doubt about whether a child is on the autistic spectrum, it is recommended to undergo a diagnosis as early as possible. The diagnostic process is a very meaningful process, being a junction that helps to define the nature of the difficulties the child has been suffering from, sometimes for years.
Early diagnosis is of great importance. First, the earlier you treat the child, the more you can help him return to the normal developmental path and see better therapeutic results. Second, the diagnosis helps in receiving rights and assistance from the state authorities, as well as the timely submission of the diagnosis to placement committees for kindergarten or special education that provide a more suitable learning environment for the child.
Possible reasons for referral
A psychodiagnostic testing was conducted for your child and the findings of the testing indicate that he has the symptoms that are required for the diagnosis of an autistic spectrum disorder
In order to complete the diagnosis, a medical clinical assessment is required. If the findings of the clinical assessment are consistent with the findings of the psychodiagnostic testings, the doctor will give a final diagnosis.
Your child has persistent communication and/or social difficulties
Difficulties in interpersonal communication and persistent social difficulties do not necessarily indicate the existence of a communication disorder. A diagnosis of a communication disorder requires a medical clinical diagnosis and a dedicated psychological diagnosis. The final diagnosis will be determined by a doctor.
Children on the autistic spectrum sometimes suffer from additional disorders such as attention deficit disorder, anxiety disorders or obsessive-compulsive disorder and others. A child psychiatrist has the most appropriate training to carry out a comprehensive diagnosis and assessment of the difficulties associated with communication difficulties. In addition, in the case of social and communication difficulties that do not meet the diagnostic criteria of a disorder on the autistic spectrum, a child psychiatrist can examine the possibility of other diagnoses and suggest the appropriate treatment methods.
What could be a reason of choosing a child psychiatrist instead of a neurologist for the diagnosis of ASD?
In order for a diagnosis to be considered valid for the social servises and for the National Insurance, it must be given by two professionals: a doctor (child psychiatrist/child neurologist/child development specialist) and a psychologist.
Is a psychiatric diagnosis sufficient for the diagnosis of an autistic spectrum disorder?
Setting apointments for a psychiatric assessment is required for any child that undergone such an assessment in the past, if you would like your child to be a patient in the clinic.
The comprehensive assessment is required in order to get to know your child, his difficulties, to check for the existence of additional developmental disorders or psychiatric disorders (for example attention deficit disorder, anxiety disorder, depressive disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, psychotic state, etc.). According to the findings of the psychiatric diagnosis, the doctor will build a treatment plan that is suitable for your child.
Our child has already been diagnosed with autism. We are interested in considering a medication treatment for him. Should we still schedule appointments for the full psychiatric assessment?
Frequently asked questions
Will include a comprehensive psychiatric Assessment