Autism Diagnosis
The diagnosis of autism is conducted by a multidisciplinary team of specialists or a specialized physician, depending on the child's age and the healthcare system (public or private).
The diagnosis must be based on international scientific criteria (DSM-5 or ICD-11).
Competent Professionals for Diagnosis
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Child Psychiatrist: The primary and legally responsible professional in Greece for diagnosing the autism spectrum. They evaluate the child's psychosocial development, communication difficulties, repetitive behaviors, and other neurodevelopmental parameters.
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Developmental Pediatrician (Pediatrician with specialization): They can identify early signs of autism in infants and toddlers and refer to a child psychiatrist or a multidisciplinary team for a full diagnosis.
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Pediatric Neurologist: They may participate in the diagnosis when there are concurrent neurological issues or developmental differences.
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Clinical Psychologist: They cannot provide a medical diagnosis on their own but perform psychometric evaluations (intelligence tests, social perception, speech, etc.) and participate in the diagnostic team.
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Speech Therapist / Occupational Therapist: They do not diagnose, but they evaluate functional abilities (speech, sensory processing, mobility) and provide data that assist in the diagnosis.
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Where Diagnosis is Conducted in Greece
Public Entities:
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Medico-Pedagogical Centers (IPD) of Hospitals or Mental Health Centers.
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Mental Health Centers for Children & Adolescents.
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KEDASY (formerly KEDDY): For the evaluation of learning and developmental difficulties within the school environment.
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University Pediatric Clinics: (e.g., "Agia Sophia" Children’s Hospital).
Private Sector:
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Private Child Psychiatrists / Developmentalists with experience in the autism spectrum.
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Private Developmental Centers.
Note: A diagnosis is valid only when it originates from a certified physician (e.g., a child psychiatrist) and is signed using DSM-5 or ICD criteria. For use in public services (e.g., schools, KEPA, EOPYY), a document from a public entity or a recognized physician is typically required.
Counseling for parents of children with autism is a crucial pillar of support for both the child and the family as a whole. Parents are called upon to manage a multitude of emotions and challenges after the diagnosis, such as anxiety, uncertainty, guilt or fear for the future. Counseling aims to offer not only information, but also practical and psychological support.
Main objectives of parent counseling:
Awareness and understanding of the diagnosis
Parents learn what autism is, what the characteristics of the spectrum are, and how they manifest in their own child.Managing emotions
Parents are given space to express their concerns and feelings, and to process the experience of the diagnosis in a supportive way.Strengthening the parental role
Parents are encouraged and trained to develop skills that will assist them in their daily communication and education of the child, with respect for their particularities and needs.Guidance for interventions
Counselors help parents understand the available treatment options (e.g., occupational therapy, speech therapy, behavioral intervention) and choose the appropriate framework for the child.Organization of daily life and home
Practical advice is provided for organizing routines, strengthening the child's autonomy, and dealing with difficult behaviors.Support at the couple and family level
Counseling strengthens communication between family members and reduces tensions that may arise due to increased demands.
Delivery methods:
Individual sessions with parents
Group meetings with other parents
Parent training workshops
Long-term psychological support
Counseling does not aim to "fix" the child, but to support the family to accept and empower the child, utilizing their potential and creating an environment of acceptance and development.