What is the best type of pediatric doctor to evaluate for autism?

Pediatrician: The american academy of pediatrics has screening programs that start in early toddlerhood to screen for autism (ad). If the screen indicates a possibility of ad, then developmental pediatrics, neurology, speech and language professionals, audiologists and/or psychologists/psychiatrists would be next. Many school districts now have early intervention programs to start treatment early in ad.

Pediatrician: And if your pediatrician needs help, a specialist in child development or child psychiatrist should be able to evaluate.

Ped developmentalist: Is a subspecialty in pediatrics and they are well trained in autism. General pediatricians can do an initial evaluation for a referral.

Autism doctor: Either a child psychiatrist or a develepmental specialist.

Autism specialist: Many who specialize in diagnosing autism are psychologists trained specifically both in young child development and autism. Others, including speech and language specialitsts and occupational therapists, may be useful in gaining a full picture of the child's clinical picture and treatment needs. Assessment needs to do far more than just diagnose autism.

Doctor,doctor: Start with your pediatrician , discuss your concerns.Athorough exam and a screening with a standarized tool such as the mchat is a good starting point.If any concerns arise, referral to a multidisciplinary team of speech pathologists, occupational therapists, developmental pediatricians and behavioral psychologists among others could help provide a more formal assessment and provide a plan of care.

Developmental peds: A developmental pediatrician would be best qualified to evaluate for asd.

Autism assessment: Typically a good child psychologist or pediatrician can do this. Here is a link for a good aspergers test. For any autism diagnosis an ados should be given. The marcus institute in atlanta ga (usa) has excellent resources. http://youtu.be/g7ke5d_115e.

Primary Pediatrician: May refer to a developmental/ behavioral pediatrician (www.Sdbp.Org) , often in a team with a child neuropsychologist, speech/language therapist, & occupational therapist for evaluation of intellectual ability & degree of autism. Child neurologists, psychiatrists, & psychologists can also help the early intervention team (0-3) or school district's child find team (age 3 & >) with diagnosis.