Autism varies from child to child and a parent is shocked when the doctor says that their child is autistic. They would like to take a second or third opinion to clear the doubt. There are some indications and symptoms which indicate autism and when you see such in your child rush immediately to the doctor to verify it who can be of help in guiding you.
This brain disorder occurs before three years of age and at times even earlier. The first symptoms of autism are delayed or failure in speech. The next one is that the child stays aloof and never joins in a group while play or other circumstances. Both physically and intellectual assessment along with the family history evaluation when done will help in diagnosing autism in a child. Your regular pediatrician can help you in this matter as they will be able to spot an unusual behavior in the child.
Further check the auditory sensations to see if the child hears properly. Sometimes the delay in speech could be the fault in hearing. These tests are of two types. One is done to see the how much sound the child can hear and respond and the other evaluates the sound the brain can respond to. So the second type needs drugs to sedate the child and then take the tests. Usually only the first test is done and the doctor also asks to take the Fragile X syndrome test which generally affects an autistic child. Samples of urine and blood are taken to test the metabolism rater and also the DNA.
Lastly the doctor may suggest MRI or CAT scan to look into the problem and and diagnose autism through these tests. Although second opinion is good it is better to consult the same doctor so that the child and the doctor can have a better rapport which can help in tests and treatments easily. Any abnormal behavior spotted by the parent when immediately reported to the doctor can help them by therapies and behavior modification programs. The earlier the child is diagnosed with autism the sooner the behavior alteration programs works. This can help the child to adapt to the society and can have better prospect in life.