One of the toughest parts of having a child or children on the autism spectrum is figuring out whether or not that child falls on the spectrum at all in the first place. Beyond an ASD diagnosis it can then also be difficult for some children to get a more specific diagnosis within the spectrum. In our family, we have received three different diagnoses over time, so far, all on the spectrum, but with the specific point within the spectrum shifting as our son has gotten older and therapies have helped him to manage some of his particular issues.

In the video included below, Victor displays some of the milder but distinctive features of autism spectrum disorders. He is 3.5 years old at the time this video was taken and displays avoidance of eye contact with me behind the camera, disjointed and awkward speech and repetitive speech patterns (echolalia).

Victor's speech stalled out at 18 months of age accompanied by 'disconnected', violent and lengthy tantrum behaviors. These symptoms were the trigger for seeking a diagnosis from the Early Intervention Unit in our school district. Speech therapy, occupational therapy and placement in a special classroom are some of the strategies that the intervention program provided to help Victor.

Parents and guardians who suspect an autism spectrum disorder or other issue may find excellent resources and assistance with an initial diagnosis from Early Intervention programs through the school district, especially since most evaluations through the school district are free and geared towards catching problems early so appropriate assistance can be provided.

Here are some articles from other Examiners, both local and national, that cover different aspects of the spectrum and may help with sorting out your child's particular symptoms or indicate whether or not an evaluation or re-evaluation might be needed.

• Diagnosing ADHD
• An introduction to Sensory Processing Disorder
• Ongoing ambiguity of the autism-asperger diagnosis
• A simple explanation of autism disorder - part one