One of the most popular concerns I get from parents is whether or not I suspect that their child has Autism. Autism seems to be a dreaded diagnosis, and understandably so.
Although I can usually spot many features associated with Autism from the initial evaluation I have with a child, it should be noted that Autism, can only be confirmed through a series of in-depth evaluations and often times, conducted by a multi-disciplinary team comprising: a paediatrician/paediatric neurologist, speech therapist and psychologist.
That said, many under-served countries, such as Kenya, haven’t put guidelines around how a diagnosis of Autism can be confirmed. So, you find nurses, teachers, therapists, you name it throwing around the Autism diagnosis to children, who for whatever reason, were uncooperative or inattentive during an evaluation.
There are many markers for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), which even without undergoing an in-
depth assessment, can point to red flags to Autism. And because parents have already consulted “Dr Google” before seeking an evaluation with a related specialist, it can be helpful to consult credible sources that can assist in identifying specific red flags, which can then prompt you to seek further assessment or if none is available, at least can have you prioritise speech therapy or other services.
The children with Autism we have offered early speech therapy to have gone on to talk, talk clearly and to be independent learners in mainstream schools.
Let the results of the M-CHAT-R “screener” below prompt you to act rather than panic.
Autism Screening Questionnaire
One of the most popular concerns I get from parents is whether or not I suspect that their child has Autism. Autism seems to be a dreaded diagnosis, and understandably so.
Although I can usually spot many features associated with Autism from the initial evaluation I have with a child, it should be noted that Autism, can only be confirmed through a series of in-depth evaluations and often times, conducted by a multi-disciplinary team comprising: a paediatrician/paediatric neurologist, speech therapist and psychologist.
That said, many under-served countries, such as Kenya, haven’t put guidelines around how a diagnosis of Autism can be confirmed. So, you find nurses, teachers, therapists, you name it throwing around the Autism diagnosis to children, who for whatever reason, were uncooperative or inattentive during an evaluation.
There are many markers for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), which even without undergoing an in-
depth assessment, can point to red flags to Autism. And because parents have already consulted “Dr Google” before seeking an evaluation with a related specialist, it can be helpful to consult credible sources that can assist in identifying specific red flags, which can then prompt you to seek further assessment or if none is available, at least can have you prioritise speech therapy or other services.
The children with Autism we have offered early speech therapy to have gone on to talk, talk clearly and to be independent learners in mainstream schools.
Let the results of the M-CHAT-R “screener” below prompt you to act rather than panic.