Many individuals with Asperger syndrome present to childhood services including child and adolescent psychiatric clinics, child guidance clinics and paediatric clinics. Other children and adolescents come to the attention of GPs, developmental paediatricians, neurologists or neuropsychiatrists, or even clinical geneticists. Some, though not all, of these will be correctly identified and diagnosed as having an autism spectrum disorder/Asperger syndrome. Increasing numbers who were never diagnosed in childhood – or who received other, less informative diagnoses – apply for help in adult psychiatric clinics.

All people with Asperger syndrome and marked psychosocial adaptation problems should be examined by a medical doctor with training in autism spectrum disorders. In addition, there is usually a need for assessment by a psychologist with specific knowledge in the field.

Occasionally there is a need for further medical work-up, including brain imaging, EEG, blood – including genetic – and urine tests.

Assessment by a skilled special education teacher is also often required, particularly in the case of school-age children.

Medical assessment

The medical doctor will have to review the individual's early developmental history with the mother or some other person who knew the patient well when he was of preschool age. It is essential that the doctor is familiar with the symptoms and course of autism spectrum disorders and other child neuropsychiatric problems. The ability to conduct a proper ‘developmental interview’ is dependent on specific knowledge and clinical experience in the field.