Pediatricians Finally Recommend Routine Autism Screenings For Earlier Diagnosis And Treatment

The American Academy Of Pediatrics is finally recommending routine screenings for autism - 2 screenings before the age of 2. Although most physicians and members of the medical community believe there is no cure for autism, early detection and treatment can undeniably lesson the severity of the disorder. The sooner autism can be flagged and diagnosed, the sooner this important and vital treatment can begin.

Unfortunately, it’s usually only after months of noticed delays that a parent or caregiver will mention concerns to their pediatricians. For example, language delays usually prompt parents to bring these delays to their pediatrician’s attention at around 18 months - too late for the earliest intervention. Experts say there are much earlier warning signs for which parents should be on the lookout - such as :

1. A baby not responding to a parent or caregiver calling his name;

2. A baby not directing parents or caregivers to look at or interact with an object that interests the baby;

3. Lack of a baby babbling to initiate a back and forth exchange between parent and caregiver and baby;

4. Failure of a baby to smile at or make contact with parents or caregivers;

5. A baby who shows a preference to hard “lovie” items like ballpoint pens, action figures, or flashlights rather than soft “lovies” typically associated with babies, like blankets, stuffed animals, or a special pillow.

There are also “red flags” the are indications for which a pediatrician should conduct an immediate evaluation for autism. These are:

1. No babbling, pointing or attempts at engaging gestures by 12 months of age;

2 No words attempted by 16 months of age;

3. No two word phrases by 24 months of age;

4. Loss of language, social skills, or a willingness or attempt to engage others at any age.

In addition to parent’s noticing developmental delays or issues that could indicate autism earlier, pediatricians can do their part by eliciting conversations that may help make an earlier diagnosis.
Pediatricians are now being encouraged to ask about any parental or caregiver observations of such behaviors at every well-baby visit. If any of the concerns raise a red flag toward autism, the pediatrician should use a standardized screening tool. Non withstanding any red flags, pediatricians are now encouraged to conduct an autism screening on all children between 18 and 24 months old, even if there have not been any parental or caregiver concerns.

These new guidelines are undoubtedly in response to the alarming and growing number of children diagnosed with autism each year and an attempt to diagnose much earlier to obtain better treatment options and results.




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