Doctors can diagnose Asperger's syndrome by conducting an assessment that includes a physical exam, a developmental history, and a psychological evaluation. The physical exam helps rule out any underlying medical conditions that may be causing the symptoms. The developmental history includes asking questions about developmental milestones, social development, language development, and other behavior. The psychological evaluation includes tests to measure cognitive functioning, language and communication skills, and social interaction skills. The results of the assessment are used to determine whether or not the person meets the diagnostic criteria for Asperger's syndrome.
Physical Exam
A physical exam is conducted to rule out any underlying medical conditions that may be causing the symptoms associated with Asperger's syndrome. This includes checking for signs of hearing or vision problems, as well as testing for motor coordination and strength. The doctor also evaluates the person's overall physical health and growth.
Developmental History
The doctor will ask questions about the person's developmental milestones, such as when they started walking, talking, and toilet training. They will also ask questions about the person's social development, such as whether they have friends and how they interact with other people. Questions about language development, such as if the person has any speech delays or difficulties, are also asked. The doctor may also ask questions about the person's behavior, such as if they have any unusual habits or behaviors.
Psychological Evaluation
The doctor will conduct tests to measure the person's cognitive functioning, language and communication skills, and social interaction skills. These tests can include intelligence tests, language tests, and tests to measure social skills. The results of these tests are used to determine whether or not the person meets the diagnostic criteria for Asperger's syndrome.
Diagnosis
Once all of the tests are completed, the doctor will review the results and determine whether or not the person meets the diagnostic criteria for Asperger's syndrome. If the person does meet the criteria, they will be diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome. If the person does not meet the criteria, they may be diagnosed with another disorder or referred for further evaluation.