Early Identification of Autism is Essential - Page 2
The number of children identified as having ASD using the Checklist, 32 out of 10,479, reflects current prevalence rates. All of these children were referred for behavioral therapy at approximately 17 months, essentially four years younger than the national age of identification and referral. Pediatricians included in the study were so pleased with the screen, 100% of the 137 pediatricians who piloted the instrument continued to use it in their practice. The hope is that, one day soon, all children will be screened for early signs of autism at their 12 month check-up.
Until the screen comes to a pediatrician near you, please review the following early signs of autism in infants and toddlers.
• By 6 months: A lack of eye contact, broad smiles or other joyful expressions
• By 9 months: No “conversational” back and forth sharing of sounds, smiles, or facial expressions
• By 12 months: A lack of response to name, no babbling, no communicative gestures
• By 18 months: No single words
• By 24 months: No two-word meaningful phrases
• Any regression or loss of speech or babbling or social skills at any age
If you know a child who displays any of these signs of autism, please don’t hesitate to seek an evaluation through your local health department or a qualified psychologist or neurodevelopmental pediatrician. There is no cure for autism, but the earlier a child receives behavioral intervention, the more likely he or she is to make critical developmental gains.
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