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The diagnosis of autism: Considerations for supporting children and parents
Author(s) -
Sheinkopf Stephen J.
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
the brown university child and adolescent behavior letter
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1556-7575
pISSN - 1058-1073
DOI - 10.1002/cbl.30445
Subject(s) - autism , referral , context (archaeology) , psychology , psychiatry , clinical diagnosis , differential diagnosis , developmental psychology , clinical psychology , medicine , family medicine , paleontology , pathology , biology
Recent years have seen an increasing range of individuals referred to clinics due to concerns about a possible autism diagnosis. Clinics are encountering this diagnostic question at both younger and older ages, and in the context of increasing psychiatric complexity. The result is a need for continued attention to a careful diagnostic process and awareness of challenges to a differential diagnosis in complex circumstances. Referrals at different ages and in the context of varying levels of clinical complexity require careful consideration for the process of feedback sessions and post‐evaluation counseling. It is also worthwhile to consider different influences on referral patterns, as being cognizant of these clinical dynamics can help to counsel families and individuals, whether or not an evaluation returns a diagnosis of autism.