While there is no one behavioral or communications test that can detect autism,
several screening instruments have been developed that are now being
used in diagnosing autism:
CARS rating system (Childhood Autism Rating Scale), developed
by Eric Schopler in the early 1970s, is based on observed behavior.
Using a 15-point scale, professionals evaluate a child's relationship
to people, body use, adaptation to change, listening response, and verbal
communication.
The Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (CHAT) is used to screen
for autism at 18 months of age. It was developed by Simon Baron-Cohen
in the early 1990s to see if autism could be detected in children as
young as 18 months. The screening tool uses a short questionnaire with
two sections, one prepared by the parents, the other by the child's
family doctor or pediatrician.
The Autism Screening Questionnaire is a 40 item screening
scale that has been used with children four and older to help evaluate
communication skills and social functioning.
The Screening Test for Autism in Two-Year Olds is being
developed by Wendy Stone at Vanderbilt and uses direct observations
to study behavioral features in children under two. She has identified
three skills areas that seem to indicate autism - play, motor imitation,
and joint attention.
Information provided by http://www.autism-society.org
While there is no one behavioral or communications test that can detect autism,
several screening instruments have been developed that are now being
used in diagnosing autism:
