Autism DiagnosisAutism Diagnosis Diagnosing autism has often proven to be a rather difficult process. Notwithstanding the fact that an early diagnosis is of utmost importance for the treatment of autism. A diagnosis of autism can be reliably made at between 2 and 3 years of age.Autism does not meet criteria for screening, but surveillance throughout the preschool years is recommended.Diagnosis is by history taking, focusing on the developmental story and systematically inquiring for core behaviours, and by observation in several settings.Because many of the behaviors associated with autism are shared by other disorders, various medical tests may be ordered to rule out or identify other possible causes of the symptoms being exhibited. Criteria for the diagnosis of autism are set out in the ICD-10 (international classification of diseases, 10th revision) and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition (DSM-IV).
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