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Research indicates that early identification is associated with dramatically better outcomes for individuals with autism. The earlier a child is diagnosed, the earlier the child can begin benefiting from one of the many specialized intervention approaches to treatment and education.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all children be screened for autism by their family pediatrician twice by the age of 2, at 18 months and again at 24 months. The AAP also recommends that treatment be started when an autism diagnosis is suspected rather than waiting for a formal diagnosis. Go to http://www.aap.org/ to see the complete list of recommendations. The advantages of early intervention cannot be overemphasized. Children who receive intensive therapy can make tremendous strides in their overall functioning and go on to lead productive lives.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities also provide a wealth of information on the early signs of autism through their "Learn the Signs. Act Early." initiative.
While there is no one behavioral or communications test that can detect autism, several screening instruments have been developed that are now being used in diagnosing autism:
- CARS rating system (Childhood Autism Rating Scale), developed by Eric Schopler in the early 1970s, is based on observed behavior. Using a 15-point scale, professionals evaluate a child's relationship to people, body use, adaptation to change, listening response, and verbal communication.
- The Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (CHAT) is used to screen for autism at 18 months of age. It was developed by Simon Baron-Cohen in the early 1990s to see if autism could be detected in children as young as 18 months. The screening tool uses a short questionnaire with two sections: one prepared by the parents; the other by the child's family doctor or pediatrician.
- The Autism Screening Questionnaire is a 40-item screening scale that has been used with children age four and older to help evaluate communication skills and social functioning.
- The Screening Test for Autism in Two-Year Olds is being developed by Wendy Stone at Vanderbilt and uses direct observations to study behavioral features in children under two. She has identified three skill areas that seem to indicate autism: play, motor imitation, and joint attention.
Last updated: 31 January 2008
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