Diagnosis (from the Greek words dia = by and gnosis = knowledge) is the process of identifying a disease by its signs, symptoms and results of various diagnostic procedures. The conclusion reached through that process is also called a diagnosis.
The term "diagnostic criteria" designates the combination of symptoms which allows the doctor to ascertain the diagnosis of the respective disease.
Typically, someone with abnormal symptoms will consult a physician, who will then obtain a history of their present illness and examine them for signs of disease. The physician will formulate a hypothesis of likely diagnoses and in many cases will obtain further testing to confirm or clarify the diagnosis before proceeding to render treatment.
More on [ Diagnosis ]
Child Health Growth and Development

Asperger's Disorder - DSM IV diagnostic criteria for this condition.
Assessment References - Bibliography of professional resources.
Autism Checklist - Evaluating and diagnosing Autism/PDD, suggested medical tests.
Meta Description: [ Online information, support and resources helping with issues pertaining to Autism Spectrum, and Pervasive Developmental Disorders (ASD & PDD) for parents and adults with disabilities, a comprehensive, state by state, resource search and disability related database guide, checklist and communica... ]
Autism, Asperger's Syndrome and Semantic-Pragmatic Disorder - Paper on defining the boundaries.
Autistic Disorder: European Description - The ICD-10 Classification of Mental and Behavioural Disorders. World Health Organization, Geneva, 1992.
CARD Factsheets - Definition of autism, diagnosis and evaluation. [English, Spanish]
Development of Tools for Earlier Diagnosis of Autism - Article from the APA Monitor.
Meta Description: [ The development of tools for earlier diagnosis of autism is moving quickly. ]
Developmental Delay vs. Developmental Disorder in Young Children: Understanding the Difference - Article on differentiating between the two conditions. Includes modified checklist for Autism in toddlers.
Diagnosis of Autism in Children With Down Syndrome by Glen Vatter - Detailed comparison of the symptoms of the two conditions, and a discussion of issues in diagnosis.
Diagnostic Instruments - Descriptions, with references, of the diagnostic instruments used at the University of Michigan Autism and Communications Disorders Center.
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Importance of Assessments by Paul Trehin - Article discusses how to improve the process of testing for autism.
Pervasive Developmental Disorders - NICHCY briefing paper, discussing how Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS) fits into the category of Pervasive Developmental Disorders.
Practice Parameter: Screening and diagnosis of autism - Detailed discussion for physicians of the steps in autism diagnosis, with suggested medical tests and other assessments. From the American Academy of Neurology and the Child Neurology Society. [PDF file]
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