Diagnosis of Autism in Malaysia

Diagnosing autism involves a multi-disciplinary approach, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of the individual’s behavior and development.

Steps in Diagnosis:

1. Developmental Monitoring:

   • Parents or caregivers notice developmental delays or atypical behaviors, such as lack of eye contact or delayed speech.

2. Developmental Screening:

   • Tools such as the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT) are used to assess risk.

   • Pediatricians or general practitioners may refer families for further evaluation.

3. Comprehensive Evaluation:

   • Conducted by developmental pediatricians, child psychiatrists, or clinical psychologists.

   • Includes direct observation, caregiver interviews, and standardized assessments like:

     • Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2).

     • Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R).

4. Medical and Functional Assessments:

   • Blood tests or genetic testing to rule out other conditions.

   • Functional assessments for obtaining OKU (Orang Kurang Upaya) status.