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Children diagnosed at younger ages with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) benefit from receiving intervention sooner and potentially making greater strides in their development. However, getting a proper determination can be challenging for a variety of reasons.
At Angel Kids Pediatrics, our providers can assist parents and caregivers in all aspects of their child’s growth. Whether it’s behavioral or developmental concerns like autism, treatment for illnesses, injuries, or chronic conditions, or regular well-child visits, we provide exceptional, integrated care to meet all your child’s needs.
With 10 offices located throughout Jacksonville, Amelia Island, and Saint Johns, Florida, along with our telehealth appointment option, getting personalized care has never been easier.
This April, in recognition of National Autism Acceptance Month, we’re taking a closer look at five reasons autism diagnosis is frequently delayed.
Autism spectrum disorder
ASD is a neurological and developmental disorder that affects how people learn, behave, and interact with others. Symptoms — from nature to severity — vary widely among individuals.
Some children show signs of not interacting with caregivers as young infants, while others don’t show concerning signs until age two or three. Autism can also be missed in kids with mild cases until middle to late childhood. Some people only realize they’re on the ASD spectrum as adults.
ASD diagnosis — and reasons for delay
There is no specific test to diagnose autism. Instead, evaluation is based on descriptions of the child’s development by parents and caregivers, along with observations by a professional.
While there is no cure, receiving an early diagnosis can allow for interventions to help improve social skills and other symptoms. However, not all children receive an early diagnosis. This can happen for a number of reasons, including:
1. ASD symptoms vary widely
Autism symptoms run the gamut. Some children don’t speak or have intellectual disabilities and require significant support for daily living. Others are verbal and have high IQs. If a child is high functioning, autism may be missed — often until elementary school when social skills and communication become more important.
2. Gender differences with ASD
People of any gender, race or ethnicity can have ASD, but boys are diagnosed at a rate that’s four times higher than girls. This may be because girls’ symptoms tend to be different and more subtle, including less social and communication challenges, and less repetitive behavior. Girls are also more likely to hide or mask their symptoms in order to fit in.
3. A different diagnosis
Some children’s autism determination gets delayed by receiving a different diagnosis first, such as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or sensory processing disorder — which they may or may not have, in addition to their still undiagnosed ASD.
In these cases, autism may not be recognized until the child goes to school and has increased social demands.
4. ASD diagnosis takes time
Autism is not something that can be diagnosed during a quick doctor’s office visit — it often requires a series of appointments along with specialist evaluation. It may also take additional time and resources families may not know about or be able to afford.
5. Taking a wait-and-see approach
Children develop at different rates, and sometimes doctors want to give kids a chance to “catch up” before suggesting a possible diagnosis. In these cases, a careful period of watchful waiting may slightly delay a suspected ASD diagnosis.
Partner with a pediatrician
There’s no doubt making an autism diagnosis can be challenging — but we’re here to help. If you’re concerned about your child’s development, we work with you to evaluate all possibilities and determine the correct diagnosis and intervention plan.
To learn more, call or click online and schedule a visit at your nearest Angel Kids Pediatrics office in Jacksonville, Amelia Island, or Saint Johns, Florida, today.