There are a number of behavioral screening tests that can be used to help uncover the presence of an autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but they involve observing a person’s behavior and abilities in communication and socialization. There is no blood test or similar screening that will confirm an ASD diagnosis.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists a number of tests that could be used for an initial screening to spot problems, and also provides more comprehensive tests designed to confirm an ASD diagnosis.
Tests are designed to check how far a child’s development has progressed. They can measure a child’s behavior or abilities to learn and interact. Often the test includes or is comprised of questions for the parents.
Tests which the CDC makes available for autism screening include:
- Ages and Stages Questionnaires or ASQ.
- Communication and Symbolic Behavior Scales or CSBS.
- Parents’ Evaluation of Developmental Status or PEDS.
- Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers or M-CHAT.
- Screening Tool for Autism in Toddlers and Young Children or STAT.
- Autism Spectrum Screening Questionnaire or ASSQ.
- Australian Scale for Asperger's Syndrome.
- Childhood Asperger Syndrome Test or CAST.