Diagnosis of Autism and Early Signs. Dr Nadeem Ghayas

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends autism screening at 18 and 24 months. Some children, however, especially those with mild symptoms, may not receive a diagnosis until school age or even adulthood. Early diagnosis is important  because early intervention can significantly improve developmental outcomes.

Generaly the early signs of autism  appear before the age of 2. Signs may include delayed speech and language skills, limited eye contact, lack of response to their name, and repetitive behaviors like hand-flapping or rocking. Children may also show unusual reactions to sensory stimuli, such as being overly sensitive to sounds or textures. Another common sign is difficulty in social interactions, such as not engaging in pretend play, not pointing to show interest, or not understanding facial expressions. Some children with Autism may also display an intense focus on specific objects or routines and become distressed with changes in their environment.

References

1.   Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2023). Signs and Symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder.

2.   American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). (2020). Identifying and Evaluating Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders.

3.    National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). (2022). Autism Spectrum Disorder.