Physical examination for autism
During the physical examination, the health professional looks for specific signs of autism. A child suspected of having autism will have assessments, including:
- Weight and height measurements, to determine whether he or she has a normal growth pattern.
- Head circumference measurements, to determine whether head size is normal. Some children with autism have a larger- or smaller-than-average head.
- Examination of the face, arms, and legs, to look for any birth defects.
- Routine tests to ensure that developmental delays aren't caused by hearing loss and/or vision problems.
- Evaluation for self-inflicted injuries. Sometimes injurious behaviours such as face slapping or head banging are caused by an underlying infection or injury.
- Reflex testing. Children with autism often have undeveloped reflexes.
- Exercises to determine hand dominance. Some autistic children have a delayed development of right- or left-handedness.
| Author: | Carrie Henley Sabra L. Katz-Wise | Last Updated: August 17, 2006 |
| Medical Review: | Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics Tom Bailey, MD - Family Medicine Fred Volkmar, MD - Child Psychiatry | |
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