Obtaining an accurate diagnosis requires an assessment conducted by a well-trained professional who specializes in developmental disorders, usually a child psychiatrist, developmental pediatrician, pediatric neurologist, developmental pediatrician, child psychologist, developmental psychologist, or neuropsychologist. The medical evaluation should include a thorough birth, developmental, medical, and family history, and a full physical and neurological examination. The primary care physician determines if these are needed.
Associated conditions can cause or worsen a child's problems.
Interviews with the parents, child, and child's teacher. Parents and teachers can provide information about behaviors not observed during the formal testing sessions. Behavior rating scales. Checklists of possible problems should be completed by parents or caretakers familiar with the child. Many diagnosticians use the checklist for autism.