People write to me and ask me this question. But I am not a medical expert. The only person who can diagnose autism is a doctor, likely a developmental pediatrician. However, there are resources online you can use to help you decide whether or not to consult your doctor. Here are some:
These were designed by the Autism Research Center at the University of Cambridge.
1. An online screening for toddlers via Healthism.
http://www.healthism.com/inventories/autism-symptom-screening
2. An online screening for primary school aged children.
http://www.healthism.com/inventories/childhood-autism-syndrome-test-cast
3. An online screening for teenagers. This is for use in kids aged 12-15.
http://www.healthism.com/inventories/autism-in-teens-symptoms-test
4. First Signs - This site is great for parents of very young children and contains the M-CHAT, a quick screening you can take to your doctor.
5. So You’re Wondering If Your Child Might Be Autistic - my own post regarding warning signs of autism in young children.
I have a 27 year old stepson who is autistic. I know he was in some special classes in school & he graduated from high school, but I have only been married to his dad for two years. He has never gotten any special services since school & I think he should be eligible for SSDI but don’t know how yo begin going about it. He is very shy in social situations unless he is playing his keyboard & singing which he can do in front of large crowds. It is a special talent he has had for years without being taught music etc. He is on an antidepressant, but we have no medical insurance for him & as he just moved in with us from another state I have no clue how to go about helping him getting help. He wants to work & has filled out several applications for jobs, but he has not worked in 5 years & the only two jobs he’s had were grocery sticking, clean up type jobs. I just need some idea how to go about getting special services for him….PLEASE. I have searched the Internet but do not know where to go.