Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnosis, Treatment, Tests and Cost
PACE Hospitals offers
comprehensive care for Autism in Hyderabad, India, delivering personalized treatment and long-term management for children and adults diagnosed with autism. Our multidisciplinary team includes experienced neurologists, psychiatrists, pediatric specialists, and autism therapists, ensuring accurate autism diagnosis through standardized autism tests and autism spectrum tests. Based on individual needs, we design evidence-based autism therapy and treatment plans that focus on behavioral development, communication skills, daily functioning and improved quality of life.
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Why Choose PACE Hospitals for Autism Treatment?
Comprehensive Diagnostic: Developmental Screening, Speech & Language Assessment, Psychological Testing & Neurodevelopmental & Behavioral Evaluation
Expert Neurologists & Autism Specialists for complete care
Individualized Autism Management with Behavioral Therapy (ABA), Speech Therapy & Counseling Support
Transparent Autism Treatment with Insurance & Cashless Options at PACE Hospitals
Autism Diagnosis
Basically, the evaluation of ASD is difficult because there is a lack of availability of standard medical tests, such as blood tests, which complicates diagnosis, requiring expert healthcare providers. Autism diagnosis is based on the developmental history of the brain and the behaviour of affected individuals during the early stages of childhood. Autism symptoms start appearing in early childhood at 18 months of age, but the reliability of diagnosis is at the age of 2 years. Sometimes, diagnosis is delayed until adulthood, resulting in missed early intervention opportunities. Doctors, such as neurologists, paediatricians, or psychiatrists, usually make the diagnosis solely based on neurodevelopmental history and behaviour. Below are the steps involved in evaluating ASD:
- Developmental Screening
- Comprehensive Diagnostic Evaluation
- Applying DSM-5 Criteria
- Rule Out Differentials
- Genetic testing (fragile X, karyotype)
- Audiology
- Electroencephalogram (EEG) -seizures
- Metabolic screens
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Assess comorbidities (ADHD, anxiety)
Developmental Screening
It is a process in which doctors ask standard questions to screen for autism during routine early childhood checkups, focusing on the child's developmental areas, such as social skills, behaviour, thinking, language, and movement. It is helpful for specialists to understand in depth about children who are at risk of autism because developmental screening does not diagnose autism.
Early autism screening is essential because sometimes it can be detected as early as 18 months of age, but diagnosis at age 2 is reliable. The recommended ages for developmental screening during early childhood visits are 9, 18, and 30 months, and screening for autism is specifically done at 18 and 24 months. Additional screening is done by an autism specialist if parents are concerned about family history (having a sibling with ASD).
Comprehensive Diagnostic Evaluation
A comprehensive diagnostic evaluation is beyond developmental screening. It is done by a multispecialty team, mainly used to confirm autism with co-occurring neurological conditions (ADHD, anxiety), genetic conditions (Fragile X syndrome/Down syndrome), learning abilities, emotional function, behaviour pattern, motor skills, sleep and eating habits. This assessment involves the collection of information from caregivers/parents and is based on the development history, social skills, language skills, motor skills, family history, prenatal history, etc.
Healthcare teams use diagnostic tools such as the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) and the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R) to observe the individual's behaviour, including social communication and interaction skills, repetitive behaviour, and sensory issues.
Application of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5)
According to the American Psychiatric Association, it is necessary to diagnose mental and neurodevelopmental disorders (including autism). No single test alone confirms the diagnosis, but physicians should consider all factors, such as consistent impairment in social communication/interaction, a repetitive behavioural pattern, and early presentation of symptoms in the developmental stage.
Rule Out Differentials
Evaluating co-occurring conditions that mimic autism, such as hearing loss, genetic conditions (fragile X syndrome), comorbid conditions (ADHD, anxiety), and intellectual disability, etc., is essential to overcome misdiagnosis. The following are the various tests used to differentiate autism from other conditions:
- Genetic testing (Fragile X syndrome, karyotyping): Genetic testing is not directly used to diagnose autism itself (which is done by behaviour and development history), but to rule out other underlying genetic conditions such as Fragile X syndrome, which mimics the autism symptoms. So the physicians order genetic testing to differentiate the overlapping symptoms of autism and Fragile X syndrome, and in case of both conditions occurring together, to make an accurate diagnosis and treatment. Karyotyping is used to detect general chromosomal abnormalities, but not specifically Fragile X syndrome (FXS), whereas chromosomal microarray (CMA) is a first-tier test used as an autism-specific genetic test to detect FMR1, particularly linked to FXS.
- Audiology: Auditory tests are important as part of autism to rule out that impaired social communication and interactions, which mimic autism symptoms, are because of hearing loss, due to a problem in hearing, may be unresponsive to their name, delayed speech or remain inactive in social activities, which can be mistaken as autism symptoms. So, initially checking hearing function by physicians will help them make an accurate diagnosis, differentiating between a sensory issue and autism, or both conditions occurring together (autism and hearing loss), which can result in overlapping symptoms.
- Electroencephalogram (EEG): EEG is not used to diagnose autism itself. Still, this test evaluates other symptoms due to seizures because children with ASD are at a higher risk of seizures (abnormal electrical activity in the brain), which helps physicians to understand and differentiate whether unusual behaviours are due to seizure disorder or neurodevelopmental conditions like autism. This is helpful for accurately treating the condition. Routine EEG is not done in every case of autism, but only if the physician notices additional signs such as language regression and seizures.
- Metabolic screens: Metabolic screening is part of autism evaluation because underlying metabolic conditions which are rare and treatable can mimics autism symptoms, but it is not preferred in all people suffering from ASD, selective metabolic screening is done only if any additional signs appears such as seizures, developmental regression(loss of skills already acquired by child and was using normally), vomiting cycles, lethargy (tiredness, low energy)or other systemic symptoms such as inborn metabolism errors like mitochondrial disorders(a genetic condition where mitochondria does not produce enough energy for the body) and phenylketonuria[rare inherited condition in which body cannot breakdown phenylalanine(amino acid) cause brain damage if not treated]. So, targeted testing ensures not to miss metabolic conditions in individuals with autism symptoms.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): MRI is not directly used to diagnose autism because it mainly depends on behavioural patterns, whereas MRI is used to diagnose other medical conditions such as brain malformations, seizures, genetic syndromes and abnormal neurological examination, which mimic autism symptoms and require different treatment. This helps the physicians to differentiate other neurological conditions from autism.
- Assess comorbidities (ADHD, anxiety): To evaluate differential diagnosis accurately in individuals suffering from comorbidities such as attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and anxiety issues along with autism is done by multidisciplinary team by using evidence based standard procedures which includes collection of information about developmental and medical history and diagnostic interviews for each conditions and compare symptoms with DSM-5 criteria, ensuring that behavioural pattern does not completely depend on autism alone itself. This includes the collection of information from parents/caregivers and teachers using screening tools (ADOS/ADI-R) and validated scales like Conners for ADHD and Scared for anxiety to measure comorbidities like ADHD and anxiety from autism, indicating how symptoms overlap or differ. A comprehensive assessment helps to differentiate true comorbidities from autism symptoms that look similar but have different causes.
✅Autism Differential Diagnosis
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that impairs daily activities such as the ability to communicate and interact socially, restricted interests and repetitive behavioural patterns, with overlapping symptoms with other neurological conditions. Healthcare professionals use various diagnostic criteria, such as DSM-5 and Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS), and developmental history to differentiate between autism and other psychological conditions. The various differential diagnostic conditions include:
- Impaired Language Developmental Disorders
- Social Communication Disorders(pragmatic)
- Anxiety and mood issues
- Intellectual disorder
- Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Stereotypic Movement Disorder
- Genetic conditions
Impaired Language Developmental Disorders: Both Expressive Language Disorder and the Mixed Receptive-Expressive Language Disorder mimic the impairment of delayed language and social communication, but do not provide information on repetitive behaviour and social interactions as seen in ASD [The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth Edition (DSM-5)].
Social Communication Disorders(pragmatic): In this condition, overlapping of social communication symptoms with autism is seen. Still, it does not match the accurate criteria of autism, DSM-5 diagnostic criteria, also suggestive of a lack of repetitive behaviour patterns and interests, which are the symptoms of autism.
Anxiety and Mood issues: Anxiety and mood issues are associated with social anxiety disorders, which means individuals experience embarrassment or fear to perform socially, mimicking autism symptoms. Still, it lacks social communication, interests or repetitive behaviour, which helps to differentiate from social anxiety disorder.
Intellectual disorder: Individuals with intellectual disorders overlap the symptoms of delayed neurodevelopment and restricted social activities with autism, making it confusing. Differentiating between these conditions is based on the DSM-5 criteria for autism.
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): ADHD is a neurological development impairment condition of routine activities because of constant characteristics of inattentive hyperactivity and impulsivity, which mimic autism symptoms. Unlike ADHD, which affects attention and impulse control, autism mainly implies dysregulation of neural activity, which impacts emotional and behavioural patterns. So, careful diagnosis is essential because ADHD can occur with ASD, but these are two different conditions.
Stereotypic Movement Disorder: The symptoms of Stereotypic Movement Disorder, such as repetitive behaviour patterns, overlap with autism symptoms. Still, other symptoms of ASD, such as restricted interests, social communication problems and delayed language development, are not seen as mentioned in DSM-5 criteria.
Genetic conditions: The symptoms of Fragile X syndrome can overlap with ASD. Still, the diagnosis of autism should also consider the other patterns of repetitive behaviour and social communication, which are necessary to differentiate between the two conditions.
✅Therapy goals for Autism
The main goal of treatment is to improve symptoms of autism, such as impaired social communication and interaction, repetitive behaviour, interests, and sensory differences. Some of the goals are mentioned below:
- Improving daily activities, such as social communication and interaction, can improve the quality of life.
- Improving behavioural patterns to engage in various activities in society.
- The goal is to reduce sensory differences, as individuals with autism are sensitive to environmental triggers such as light, temperature, and sound.
- Enhancing interests to become more active and able to participate in various activities in society.
- Improving hyperactive behaviour associated with ASD (which mainly occurs due to the differences in sensory input and impulsivity associated with the abnormality in neural development).
Get a Medical Second Opinion to Explore the Right Treatment for Autism Spectrum Disorder
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Autism Spectrum Disorder Treatment
After diagnosis of ASD, intervention and support are necessary as soon as possible for the better outcomes of neurological development, and it involves multiple stages of autism treatment in the following steps:
- Behavioral approaches
- Developmental approaches
- Educational approaches
- Social-relational approaches
- Pharmacological approaches
- Psychological approaches
- Complementary and alternative approaches
Behavioral approaches
- Discrete trial training (DTT)
- Pivotal response training (PRT)
Discrete trial training (DTT): It is part of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), which is usually divided into steps to train children in basic routine activities such as eye contact, language, and adherence to instructions, where the therapist commands and the child responds. Based on the child's response, they will be praised or corrected.
Pivotal response training (PRT): This training is generally given in a natural setting, not in a clinic, and mainly focuses on pivotal skills such as social interaction and communication with others in society.
Developmental approaches
- Speech and language therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Sensory integration therapy
- Physical therapy
Speech and language therapy: In this therapy, the trainer teaches about using speech and language and understanding language. Some people with autism do not face much difficulty speaking, but some individuals with autism use various gestures, pictures, electronic communication devices, and signs to communicate. So, it will be helpful for such people to improve their speech and language comprehension through speech and language therapy.
Occupational therapy: This therapy trains individuals in various independent skills such as eating, bathing and dressing. This therapy is divided into two types, which include:
- Sensory integration therapy
- Physical therapy
Sensory integration therapy: This therapy is used to improve sensory processing in individuals with ASD, who are sensitive to various sensory inputs such as sound, light, temperature, and clothing.
Physical therapy: This therapy is mainly used to improve the physical movements of the fingers and the trunk, which is the main central part of the body, used to maintain posture.
Parents and teachers primarily use the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) in natural settings for children ages 12-48 months to improve social, learning, and language skills, based on Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA).
Educational approaches
Treatment and education of Autistic and Related Communication Handicapped Children (TEACCH) approach: It is a classroom educational treatment that mainly focuses on improving communication, academic performance, independent skills and improving anxiety and mood issues. This therapy helps improve consistency because children with autism perform well when daily activities are appropriately scheduled, visual information, such as written instructions with pictures, is preferred to spoken instructions, and the daily routine is clearly displayed on a notice board in text or picture form. The classroom will be well organised into learning and playing areas. Physical boundaries, such as tables and mats, help children understand the start and end points with verbal instructions.
Social- relational approaches
- Developmental, Individual Differences, Relationship-Based model (DIR model)
- Relationship Development Intervention (RDI)
- Social stories
- Social skill groups
Developmental, Individual Differences, Relationship-Based mode (DIR model): In this model, parents and therapists mainly focus on children's interests to improve emotional well-being and encourage communication and social interaction. It is also called a floor model. Learning happens naturally with engagement in daily activities.
Relationship Development Intervention (RDI): This approach mainly encourages children to participate in activities to enhance motivation, social interest, and interaction, thereby helping them connect with others, build relationships, and understand social rules.
Social stories: Explaining social situations to children with autism in simple stories helps them understand how others may feel about their behaviour, enabling them to behave accordingly. Social stories help children with ASD prepare themselves to face the social challenges that might be in school, home or social aspects.
Social skill groups: It is conducted in well-organised environments, which involve group sessions with normal children or individuals suffering from ASD, which support real-life experiences of behaviours socially. This approach also helps them improve their communication skills, make eye contact with others, and make and maintain friendships.
Pharmacological approaches
Physicians may prescribe medications to manage anxiety, depression, seizures, sleep and gastrointestinal problems: There are no medications available to treat symptoms associated with autism, such as impaired social communication and interaction. The doctor may prescribe medications to manage the symptoms which occur together with the autism symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, seizures, sleep problems, constipation/diarrhoea, which improve the quality of life. Medications could be used under the supervision of health care professionals and used with caution. Close monitoring of benefits and side effects is important for healthcare professionals.
Psychological approaches
Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT): It is a psychological approach that describes the interrelationships among thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. Both therapists and individuals with autism work simultaneously during CBT to understand how negative thoughts affect emotions and behaviour. So, therapists will guide the individual to shift negative thinking patterns into more positive ways of thinking to improve the quality of life and daily functioning in responding to difficult circumstances.
Complementary and alternative approaches
- Diets
- Herbal supplements
- Relaxation therapies
- Arts therapy
Diets: Certain types of diets such as gluten free (it eliminates gluten, protein from wheat, rye and certain derivatives like bread and pasta) which includes rice, fresh fruits, vegetables and gluten free oats, ketogenic diet( high fat, moderate protein and very low carbohydrate diet) which provides for avocado, oils, meat, eggs, fish and green leafy vegetables, whereas Feingold diet( eliminates artificial colors, flavor and preservatives) which focuses on improving gastrointestinal issues and allergy associated with ASD.
Herbal supplements: ASD symptoms may be managed with the use of herbal supplements such as Gingko biloba (used to improve behaviour and neuroprotective, suggested in small observational studies) and Luteolin (a plant flavonoid that helps to improve social skills, gastrointestinal symptoms and eye contact by reducing inflammatory markers such as IL-6, TNF seen in children over 4-26 weeks. But the information is inconclusive due to the limited availability of clinical studies.
Relaxational therapies: Some relaxation therapies, such as yoga and deep breathing, help to manage sleep problems and improve focus by relieving symptoms associated with ASD, such as hyperactivity, anxiety and emotional imbalance, with decreased sensory input and calm behaviour.
Arts therapy: This therapy primarily includes various creative models, such as drawing, music, and drama, which support individuals with ASD in communicating and engaging socially by expressing their emotions nonverbally.
Autism Prognosis
ASD is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition that depends on various prognostic factors, such as IQ (intelligence quotient), early intervention, and language development. Improvement of symptoms associated with ASD with early intervention will have a good prognosis. Still, a severe autism prognosis is life-dependent on caregivers due to their repetitive behaviour, impaired language or remaining non-verbal, and IQ remains below 50 and co-occurring conditions like epilepsy, obesity and self-injurious behaviour, which complicates life with ASD.
Autism Treatment Cost in Hyderabad, India
The cost of Autism Treatment in Hyderabad generally ranges from ₹40,000 to ₹4,50,000 per year (approx. US $480 – US $5,420).
The exact cost of autism treatment varies depending on the child’s age, severity of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), type of therapies required, intensity and duration of intervention, and progress over time. Other factors influencing cost include the need for multidisciplinary care, frequency of therapy sessions, specialist involvement, and hospital or therapy centre facilities — including cashless treatment options, TPA corporate tie-ups, and assistance with medical insurance wherever applicable.
Cost Breakdown According to Type of Autism Treatment
- Behavioral Therapy (ABA / Early Intervention Programs) – ₹60,000 – ₹2,50,000 per year (US $720 – US $3,010)
- Speech and Language Therapy – ₹30,000 – ₹1,20,000 per year (US $360 – US $1,445)
- Occupational Therapy (Sensory Integration & Motor Skills) – ₹40,000 – ₹1,50,000 per year (US $480 – US $1,805)
- Special Education & Learning Support Programs – ₹50,000 – ₹1,80,000 per year (US $600 – US $2,165)
- Multidisciplinary Autism Therapy Programs – ₹1,20,000 – ₹4,50,000 per year (US $1,445 – US $5,420)
- Medical Management for Associated Conditions (ADHD, Anxiety, Sleep Issues) – ₹25,000 – ₹80,000 per year (US $300 – US $960)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Autism
What is the importance of early diagnosis of autism?
Early diagnosis of autism is essential to obtain appropriate therapies and treatment plans, lowers the stress and anxiety of parents, accurately and early diagnosis supports parents to avoid unnecessary financial stress, improves quality of life and increases awareness in society.
Does autism go away with age?
No, autism does not go away with age. Still, improvements in social communication, learning, and adaptive behaviour can be seen from childhood through adolescence with early treatment, including various supportive therapies. But there is also a risk of developing mental issues like anxiety or depression in later stages of life.
What is the educational approach to autism?
The Treatment and Education of Autistic and Related Communication Handicapped Children (TEACCH) is the educational approach to autism, which mainly focuses on training individuals with independent skills, improving academic performance, communication skills, and anxiety or mood issues.
What is cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) meant for, and how is it useful to treat autism?
CBT is a psychological therapy that basically helps individuals with autism to respond in a very positive way socially with the help of therapists, where they train the individuals to convert negative thoughts into positive behaviour to improve the developmental outcome and quality of life.
What is the impact of medications in treating autism?
There are no medications available to treat symptoms associated with autism, such as social interaction and communication, interests and repetitive behaviour, but health care professionals may prescribe medications to treat co-occurring symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, seizures, sleep problems, constipation or diarrhoea, to improve the quality of life.
Which Is the best hospital for Autism Treatment in Hyderabad, India?
PACE Hospitals, Hyderabad, is a trusted centre for the diagnosis and comprehensive management of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), offering structured, child-focused, and family-centred care.
We have highly experienced developmental pediatricians, child psychologists, speech therapists, occupational therapists, behavioral therapists, special educators, and neurologists working together to create personalised intervention plans tailored to each child’s developmental needs.
We provide top services and facilities with access to early intervention programs, structured therapy units, behavioural assessment tools, parental counselling, and long-term developmental monitoring, PACE Hospitals ensures evidence-based and compassionate autism care — supported by cashless insurance options, TPA corporate tie-ups, and smooth documentation assistance.
What Is the cost of Autism Treatment at PACE Hospitals, Hyderabad?
At PACE Hospitals, Hyderabad, the cost of autism treatment typically ranges from
₹38,000 to ₹4,20,000 and above per year (approx. US $455 – US $5,060), making it a cost-effective option for comprehensive autism care compared to others. However, the final cost depends on:
- Severity and type of Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Age at diagnosis and need for early intervention
- Type and number of therapies required
- Frequency and duration of therapy sessions
- Specialist involvement and assessments
- Developmental evaluations and follow-up reviews
- Parental training and counselling support
For mild autism requiring limited therapy, costs remain toward the lower end, while moderate to severe autism needing intensive, long-term multidisciplinary intervention may fall toward the higher range.
After a detailed developmental assessment, behavioural evaluation, and family consultation, our specialists provide a personalised therapy plan and transparent cost estimate, aligned with the child’s developmental goals, learning needs, and long-term progress.
What is the average age of autism diagnosis?
The average age of autism diagnosis ranges from 4 to 5 years globally and in the U.S., and the diagnosis of autism depends on various factors such as population, study, region and study methodology.
How to write a DSM 5 diagnosis for autism?
The ASD DSM 5 diagnosis is based on the severity, support requirement, intellectuality, and impairment of language into the following levels. level 1(representing mild symptoms, struggling to interact and communicate in society), level 2(individuals require moderate support to perform basic daily activities) and level 3(individuals with autism spectrum disorder struggle severely, impairing social engagement, including interaction and communication, indicating the very significant requirement of support).
What is the treatment for autism?
Autism has no cure because it is a long-term neurological condition, and evidence-based studies suggest that Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) is a therapy used to develop skills and reduce irritability. It includes Discrete Trial Training (DTT) and Pivotal Response Training (PRT). There are also some other treatment options, such as speech-language therapy and occupational therapy, that work on the various ASD symptoms.
What are the different types of social-relational approaches?
The various types of social-relational approaches include Developmental, Individual Differences, Relationship-Based modes (DIR model, Relationship Development Intervention (RDI), Social stories, and social skill groups). The overall approach of this model is to improve social communication and interaction, strengthen relationships, promote emotional balance, and enhance motivation.
Are diets and herbal supplements helpful in the management of autism?
Yes, both diets and herbal supplements may help manage ASD symptoms like gastrointestinal symptoms, allergy, social skills and eye contact because they lack strong clinical evidence.
What is the influence of relaxation therapies on autism?
Relaxation therapies such as yoga and deep breathing practice help improve anxiety and hyperactivity, and help regulate emotional behaviour by reducing sensory input to the brain and enhancing calm behaviour.
How does creativity help individuals with autism connect socially?
Various creative activities, such as music, drama, and drawing, help individuals with autism connect with others nonverbally by expressing their thoughts and emotions through actions, using these creative models as complementary therapy.
What is the prognosis of autism?
Prognosis is improved with the use of early evidence-based therapies, such as behavioural therapies, speech therapies and family support, which will increase the quality of life, making individuals with autism partially dependent on others. If co-occurring symptoms like anxiety and depression are not treated early, they may worsen with time.
