Assessment
and Diagnosis
Behavioral Therapy and Medical Treatments
Training Programs
Quantitative Electroencephalogram (qEEG)
Government Department Referrals
Pediatrician
Psychiatrist
General Practice
Clinical Psychologist
Educational Psychologist
Registered Nurse
Speech Therapist
Occupational Therapist
Play Therapist
Behavior Therapist
Therefore even regarding a single case, there can be a significant differences in diagnosis and treatment among professionals. As a result , many families seek opinions from multiple doctors but still struggle to obtain a consistent diagnosis.
LuxMed is one of the few comprehensive, one-stop medical centers for child development and emotional disorder support. We bring various professionals together , including pediatricians, psychiatrists, and clinical psychologists, to form a more neutral and objective diagnostic team.
Our medical team uses not only locally common screening tools but also internationally recognized screening tools and child development scales. These tools are combined with various modules and high-standard validations. Additionally, to better understand the child’s condition, we utilize various quantitative screening tools and systems for analysis, adhering to gold-standard diagnostic procedures to refine diagnoses and provide optimal treatment.
We employ neuroscience techniques by using Quantitative Electroencephalogram (qEEG) instruments to help analyze and identify the source of the disorder, significantly improving diagnostic quality and consistency. Our technologies and instruments are certified by various international authoritative organizations, including the FDA, ISNR, NCME, APA (American Academy of Pediatrics), and the European Academy of Pediatrics. Based on our medical team’s diligent review of different literature, we believe this is the only internationally validated protocol for effective ADHD treatment using qEEG:
By collecting brainwaves and analyzing different regions, and comparing them to a normal database reference, we can determine which part of the brain is overactive, underactive, unsynchronized with other regions, or has excessive or insufficient communication. This effectively aids doctors in making accurate diagnoses.
The latest term for autism is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), which is an innate developmental disorder. Individuals with ASD experience various levels of difficulty and developmental differences in social communication, cognition, emotions, and behavior.
However, diagnosing autism is not straightforward; having certain traits does not necessarily mean a child has autism. Some children with autism have normal or even above-average intelligence, making them gifted individuals, or they might have better memory skills.
Approximately 40% of children with autism have normal intelligence, while the rest have varying degrees of intellectual developmental disorders. Moreover, their cognitive abilities often develop unevenly. Sometimes, we may not understand their daily behaviors, or their ways of expressing themselves might seem different.
According to the Diagnostic and
Statistical Manual of Mental
Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5),
individuals with autism must exhibit
Both of these children meet the DSM-5 criteria for autism, demonstrating the diversity of autism manifestations and the wide variability in symptoms, which can make diagnosis challenging and prone to errors.
● Isolate Speech Delay
● Global Development Delay
● Hearing Loss
● ADHD, Attention Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder
● Anxiety Disorder
● Seperation Anxiety
● Selective Mutism
Research further indicates that relying solely on a physician’s clinical experience and the symptoms presented during short clinical visits is insufficient for accurately identifying whether a child has autism. This often leads to variations in diagnosis and treatment, with many families seeking opinions from different doctors yet still unable to obtain a consistent diagnosis. Therefore, it is crucial to incorporate assessment tools during the diagnostic process.
High Standard
High Sensitivity
High Specificity
Accreditation
Validation
For example, with M-CHAT-R/F: The sensitivity of physician clinical concern was low (0.244) versus (0.91) when using a standardized screening tool like M-CHAT-R/F.
Chromosomal Abnormalities
endocrine, or metabolic abnormalities
Fragile X Syndrome
22q11.1 Deletion Syndrome
There are approximately 1,000 genetic diseases, including chromosomal abnormalities, microdeletion/microduplication diseases, single gene mutations, etc. Most of them do not have family hereditary diseases and can be caused by recessive inheritance or genetic mutations. Nonetheless, these developmental delays may also represent risk for syndromes or developmental disorders, of which autism is an important consideration.
Among the genetics of developmental disorders, the most common genetic factor is fragile X syndrome, a form of fragile mental retardation located on the X chromosome and associated with risk for autism. Research shows that the incidence of autism is relatively high among people with fragile X syndrome, which makes it important to consider the potential impact of autism when studying developmental delays.
In the cutting-edge fields of medicine and technology, managing developmental delay and autism spectrum disorders goes beyond traditional therapies such as physiotherapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, applied behavior analysis, and sensory integration training. There is a growing emphasis on identifying the underlying causes of developmental delay and autism, such as neurological disorders, genetic mutations, and metabolic diseases. Leading academic journals like American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Neurology, Genetics in Medicine, American Journal of Medical Genetics, Paediatric and Child Health, and Canadian Paediatric Society all highlight the importance of genetic testing to identify these causes.
Clarity for Parents：
Many parents of children with developmental delay or autism feel overwhelmed and uncertain. Identifying the causative gene can help them better understand the prognosis of their child’s condition. They can refer to medical literature and learn from others with similar genetic variations, gaining insight into potential future symptoms and preventive measures.
Providing Targeted Treatment：
The goal of genetic testing is to offer more targeted and potentially curative treatments. For example, phenylketonuria (PKU) is caused by a mutation in the PAH gene, leading to an inability to metabolize phenylalanine, which results in the accumulation of toxic substances that damage brain cells and cause developmental delays. If we identify the cause early, interventions through medication and dietary management can significantly reduce the accumulation of toxins, allowing the child to regain normal developmental milestones.
Genetic Counseling for Future Generations：
If a genetic mutation is identified in a patient, doctors can understand the inheritance pattern, allowing them to predict which family members may carry the same genetic mutation or be potential carriers. This information is crucial for parents considering future pregnancies, as prenatal testing methods or assisted reproduction with genetic screening can help prevent the birth of a child with the same condition.
This test identifies abnormal deletions and duplications of genetic segments in the human genome.
Fragile X syndrome is one of the most common genetic disorders associated with developmental delay and autism spectrum disorders.
The exome refers to the specific parts of genes (exons) that are primarily responsible for coding proteins. These exons make up about 1-2% of our entire genome. According to research, approximately 85% of genetic abnormalities are located in the exome regions.
This is the most advanced genetic sequencing technology available today. It decodes the entire genetic code, including introns (non-coding regions) and exons (coding regions), to identify the cause of diseases.
The likelihood of identifying the cause of developmental delay or autism through the following tests is as follows:Microarray: 10-15%,Fragile X: 1-5%,Whole Exome Sequencing: 20-30%,Whole Genome Sequencing: Up to 40-50%
In randomized controlled trials (RCTs), it has been
well-documented that Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention (EIBI) effectively improves the cognitive, language, and social development of children with autism (Howlin, Magiati, & Charman, 2009), and significantly reduces the severity of ASD. The research emphasizes the importance of early detection and treatment for children with autism.
Studies have found that after one year of intervention, the younger the child at the start of treatment, the greater the improvement in cognitive abilities and joint attention skills.
Early brain development is strongly influenced by genetic factors. For instance, genes guide newly formed neurons to their correct locations in the brain and play a role in their interactions. However, while they establish the brain’s basic wiring, the external environment and stimuli that a child is exposed to further influence the development of brain neurons. For example, speech stimulates activity in brain regions associated with language. When the amount of input increases (e.g., hearing more speech), synapses between neurons in that region are activated more frequently. Synaptic strength supports learning and contributes to the connectivity and efficiency of networks involved in memory and other cognitive abilities.
Reference:
1. Lipina SJ, Colombo JA. Poverty and Brain Development During Childhood: An Approach From Cognitive Psychology and Neuroscience. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association; 2009.
2. Carter R, Aldridge S, Page M, Parker S. The Human Brain Book. New York, NY: DK Publishing; 2009.
3. Educarer. 2006. Available at: http://www.educarer.org/brain.htm. Accessed June 4, 2010.
4. Corel JL. The postnatal development of the human cerebral cortex. Cambridge, MA; Harvard University Press; 1975.
5. Rutter M. Nature, nurture and development: from evangelism through science towards policy and practice. Child Development. 2002;73(1):1-21.
6. Skaliora I. Experience-dependent plasticity in the developing brain. International Congress Series. 2002;1241:313-320.
7. Kagan J, Herschkowitz N, Herschkowitz E. A Young Mind in a Growing Brain. Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates; 2005.
8. Elman JL, Bates EA, Johnson MH, et al. Rethinking Innateness: A Connectionist Perspective on Development. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press; 1996.
9. Smith DP, Hayward DW, Gale CM, Eikeseth S, Klintwall L. Treatment Gains from Early and Intensive Behavioral Intervention (EIBI) are Maintained 10 Years Later. Behavior Modification. 2019;1:21.
10. MacDonald R, Parry-Cruwys D, Dupere S, Ahearn W. Assessing progress and outcome of early intensive behavioral intervention for toddlers with autism. Research in Developmental Disabilities. 2014;35:3632-44.
At Luxmed, we strive for precise and detailed diagnoses, which is why we employ a variety of international assessment tools during the diagnostic process. These tools include developmental scales, screening questionnaires, and a combination of various techniques, instruments, and the clinical experience of our doctors.
In selecting diagnostic tool combinations, our medical team carefully screens and selects the most appropriate tools from a vast array of available options, applying a multi-spectrum diagnostic approach.The team undergoes a diligent review and validation process based on international literature and certifications. Through repeated testing and internal discussions, we introduce a wide range of effective tools from around the world.
One of the key considerations is that each tool must correspond to the sensitivity and specificity suitable for the patient’s age and condition. In medical diagnostic testing, sensitivity refers to the degree to which true positives are detected without being overlooked (thus minimizing falsenegatives), while specificity refers to the extent to which true negatives are correctly identified (thus minimizing false positives).
Luxmed adopts a multi-disciplinary approach to maximize the rapeutic outcomes, ensuring that we do not rely on a single specialty for diagnosis and treatment. Our team includes:
The Luxmed Child Development Department brings together a comprehensive team of doctors and professionals specializing in child development and emotional disorders. With this robust medical team as a foundation, we ensure seamless referrals and the most effective professional coordination.
When different professionals discuss complex cases, this multi-disciplinary approach effectively eliminates biases from individual specialists and experts, achieving truly objective and refined treatment. This approach allows us to observe the child’s treatment progress and effectiveness in real-time, making timely necessary adjustments and providing targeted interventions.
1.Gabrielsen TP, Farley M, Speer L, Villalobos M, Baker CN, Miller J. Identifying autism in a brief observation. Pediatrics. 2015;135(2).
1.Gabrielsen TP, Farley M, Speer L, Villalobos M, Baker CN, Miller J. Identifying autism in a brief observation. Pediatrics. 2015;135(2).
Play therapy was initially developed as a tool to provide psychological treatment for young individuals dealing with trauma, anxiety, and mental health issues. In this approach, play becomes a medium through which children can express their emotions and develop coping mechanisms. Play therapy helps children (and sometimes even adults) engage in meaningful, shared interactions. When used correctly, play allows children and adolescents to explore their emotions, their environment, and their relationships with parents, siblings, and peers. Additionally, play therapy can empower parents to play an active role in the growth and development of their autistic children. Over time, parents can be taught play therapy techniques, enabling them to become their child’s therapist while strengthening their bond and fostering more meaningful relationships.
References:
Carden, 2009
Salter, Beamish, & Davie, 2016
Hillman, H. (2018). Child-centered play therapy as an intervention for children with autism: A literature review. International Journal of Play Therapy, 27(4), 198–204.
Occupational therapy is a broad field of rehabilitation, aimed at individuals of all ages—from infants to the elderly—who may have disability in physical, mental, or developmental functioning. Occupational therapists use specific activities to help restore physical function or treat mental and psychological disorders. Individuals on the autism spectrum are more likely to experience sensory integration disorders compared to the general population. Due to limitations in their communication abilities, they are more prone to emotional and behavioral issues. Sensory integration training in occupational therapy enables the analysis of sensory processing disorders and the associated emotional and behavioral characteristics, helping to understand the underlying causes of the patient’s behavior. The therapy helps provide appropriate satisfying or protective sensory experiences in daily life, effectively soothing and improving emotional and behavioral problems.
For children, “occupation” refers to their ability to play, learn, and care for themselves. If these abilities are impacted by congenital or acquired factors, occupational therapists assess the child’s focus, sensory integration development, fine and gross motor skills, handwriting and hand functions, body coordination, and visual perception, providing suitable treatments accordingly. Occupational therapy focuses on teaching children and adults essential skills for daily living. For children, this often involves teaching core muscle-strengthening exercises, fine motor skills (such as proper pencil grip), and self-care skills.
References:
Case-Smith, J., & Arbesman, M. (2008). Evidence-based review of interventions for autism used in or of relevance to occupational therapy. The American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 62(4), 416-429.
Speech therapy is a professional service designed for individuals who experience communication and swallowing difficulties. For children with autism, speech therapists assess their needs and create tailored treatment plans focused on areas such as comprehension, expressive abilities, social communication, oral motor skills, speech clarity, and swallowing function. Many autistic children exhibit language learning difficulties, such as delayed speech, providing irrelevant answers, brief responses, or using inappropriate words. Based on the child’s condition, speech therapists work to improve their pre-language skills, language comprehension, and expressive abilities. Therapists design activities to enhance the child’s motivation to communicate, attention span, ability to follow instructions, and problem-solving skills, while also training them to express themselves more clearly.
Even children with higher language abilities may experience difficulties in social communication, such as using stereotypical intonation or failing to understand others’ emotions. Speech therapists guide children to use appropriate tone, rhythm, and body language, helping them apply proper etiquette and behavior in various social contexts. Through Theory of Mind (ToM) training, therapists also help children better understand others’ thoughts and feelings, making it easier for them to build positive social relationships.
References:
Black, L. I., Vahratian, A., & Hoffman, H. J. (2015). Communication disorders and use of intervention services among children aged 3-17 years: United States, 2012 (pp. 1-8). Atlanta, GA, USA: US Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics.
Paul, R. (2008). Interventions to improve communication in autism. Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Clinics of North America, 17(4), 835–856.
A clinical psychologist evaluates and treats psychological distress and other mental health issues using scientific methods.
An educational psychologist assesses the learning abilities of children using systematic models and methods. They provide appropriate support services to children in need, especially those with learning difficulties or developmental disorders, ensuring they receive the necessary interventions to thrive in educational settings.
The QEEG (Quantitative Electroencephalogram) Neurofeedback device collects and compares brain wave activity from different regions of the brain with a normative database. This scientific approach can analyze the emotional conditions of children and provide personalized 3D brain training techniques. Through the analysis of brain waves, pediatricians and psychiatrists can more effectively conduct assessments, screenings, and offer further treatment.
During the neurofeedback process, the QEEG system creates personalized training parameters. The device uses visual tasks to help correct the patient’s brain wave patterns, which can lead to symptom improvement.
Reference:
Sadeghi Bajestani, G., Sheikhani, A., Hashemi Golpayegani, S. M. R., Ashrafzadeh, F., & Hebrani, P. (2016). A systematic review, on the application of quantitative EEG for characterizing autistic brain. Journal of Modern Rehabilitation, 9(6), 10-28.
Currently, there are no medications specifically designed to treat autism. However, some individuals with autism may take medications to alleviate certain symptoms, such as reducing anxiety or increasing attention span. These medications must be prescribed by a psychiatrist and are tailored to manage conccurring symptoms rather than treating autism itself.
Autism, also known as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a developmental disorder present from birth. Individuals with autism may experience varying degrees of difficulty and developmental differences in social communication, cognition, emotions, and behavior.
According to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 2023, 1 in 36 children is diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Symptoms include lack of eye contact, limited verbal communication, repetitive and stereotyped behaviors, difficulty interpreting others’ thoughts, and restricted social communication.
If autism is suspected, a child can be diagnosed as early as around one year old, with some cases being diagnosed earlier or slightly later.
Our experienced multidisciplinary team uses various gold-standard assessment tools to evaluate a child’s behavior and performance. This comprehensive approach allows us to determine if the child has autism, specify the type and severity, and provide tailored treatment recommendations. This method increases diagnostic accuracy and sensitivity to 91%, significantly exceeding the 24.4% sensitivity of clinical diagnosis alone
Reasons for diagnostic errors include the diversity and complexity of autism symptoms, which can resemble other developmental disorders (such as language disorders, ADHD, etc.). The significant individual differences in early developmental stages can lead to misjudgment. Lack of professional assessment tools or inexperienced doctors may also result in inaccurate diagnoses.
If autism is suspected, a child can be diagnosed as early as around one year old, with some cases being diagnosed earlier or slightly later.
If a child exhibits the following, an assessment may be necessary:
Repetitive behaviors or narrow interests
We offer a 30-minute free consultation service to help parents preliminarily determine if further assessment is needed.
The most empirically supported treatment for autism is Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy. In addition to ABA, we provide multidisciplinary treatments such as Speech Therapy (ST), Occupational Therapy (OT), Play Therapy (PLAY), QEEG Neurofeedback, medication, and nutritional therapy.
The earlier, the better. Treatment before the age of 3 is 10 times more effective than treatment after the age of 3.