How Do Doctors Know It's Autism?
Autism is usually diagnosed when a child is between 1½ and 4 years old. There are no medical tests for autism, although doctors may run various tests to rule out other possible conditions.

The best way to identify autism is to watch how a child behaves and communicates. Parents can help by telling the doctor how the child acts at home.

Psychologists, neurologists, psychiatrists, or developmental pediatricians all can diagnose autism. In order to do this, the specialist compares the child's level of development and behavior with those of other kids the same ageใ

How Is Autism Treated?

There's no cure for autism. But kids with autism can learn skills that help them do things that are hard for them, whether it's communicating with others or crossing a street safely.

It's usually best for kids to begin treatment when they're very young and as soon as they're diagnosed. Because autism shows up differently in different people, treatment varies from child to child. The same specialists who help diagnose a child usually work together to come up with the best combination of therapies.

A treatment program might include:

•speech therapy
•physical therapy
•occupational therapy
•behavior therapy
•social skills training
•music therapy
•medication
By the time they're teens, people with autism might take regular classes or attend special classes at the high school level. Some may go to a special school because of ongoing behavior problems