I suspect autism in my child
Have you noticed something about your child's development? Here is how to find your way to assessment and support.
Where do I stand?
You have the impression that your child develops or experiences things differently from others, and you wonder whether autism could be behind it. This page leads you to the articles that help you understand the next steps. It does not replace a medical or psychological examination and does not make a diagnosis.
Typical questions
- What is autism, anyway? What is autism?
- How does an assessment work? An autism assessment is not a single test but a process over several appointments. How an autism assessment works
- Which methods are there, and what can they do? ADOS-2, ADI-R and screening. Screening questionnaires are not suitable for making a diagnosis but are an indication for further assessment. [1]
- Could it be something else, or both? Autism and ADHD; Common co-occurring conditions
- How common is autism? How common is autism?
First steps
- Note down your observations (suggestion from the editorial team). Write down what you notice, in which situations and since when. This helps you in conversation with professionals.
- Collect documents. Conversations about the developmental history and reports from nursery, school or earlier treatment feed into the assessment. How an autism assessment works
- Ask for an assessment. In the directory of contact points (in German) you will find services that offer assessment. One example with assessment for children, adolescents and adults is the Marburg Institute for Autism Research and Therapy (Marburger Institut für Autismusforschung und Therapie); you ask there about access and waiting times. The parents’ directory FASMA collects routes to assessment services for each federal state; a directory entry is not yet proof of an offer. Always call the service first: responsibilities differ by region.
- Get independent advice. The supplementary independent participation advice service (EUTB) is independent of benefit providers. More: Finding independent advice.
- For small children: ask early about support. Early intervention for autism
Terms
Autism spectrum disorder · Co-occurring condition · Early intervention
If you are worried
In acute danger call the emergency number 112. For a first conversation, the Nummer gegen Kummer (parents’ helpline) can be a first point of contact; it is not an autism-specific service.
Sources and literature
- Höhne E, Kamp-Becker I (Klinik für KJP, Universitätsklinikum Marburg): Diagnostik der Autismus-Spektrum-Störung. Pädiatrie (Rosenfluh) 2024;(4+5):27–32. https://rosenfluh.ch/media/paediatrie/2024/04-05/Diagnostik-der-Autismus-Spektrum-Stoerung.pdf
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Support near you
You will find assessment centres, counselling and self-help in the directory of services.
Found a mistake?
If something is factually wrong, out of date or unclear, let us know. You do not have to give any personal details.