Does my child have Autism?

My son was around 10 months when he started to talk, once he started walking at around 13 months old he stopped talking. He is now 23 months old and he still doesn't say any words.  We have done a bunch of blood test and everything and they seem to think that he might have Autism or a Metabolic disorder. I am just curious what type of test is done to diagnose Autism?

[Jason C Bourret, Ph.D., BCBA-D]

We often get questions about diagnosis and there isn't currently a blood test that can identify autism. I reccomend bringing your child to a specialist in diagnosing autism.  Developmental pediatricians, pediatric neurologists, child psychiatrists, and child psychologists may all be appropriately trained.  The person providing the diagnosis should have experience in diagnosing autism spectrum disorders.  Your pediatrician, local hospital, or school district should be able to refer you to a qualified individual.  Regardless of who you are seeing, make sure that the diagnosis and the reasons for it are fully explained to you.  You shouldn't find yourself walking away confused about the diagnosis.  If you have any concerns, seek a second opinion and find a diagnostician you trust and are comfortable with.