Autism: The Earliest Red Flags

The threefold increase in the prevalence of Autism over the past decade (recent estimates of one child in 150) has ignited widespread controversy over the causes and optimal treatment of the disorder. The characteristic deficits in language and social skills, insistence on sameness, and restricted interests generally come to light at about two to three years of age - thus losing valuable ground for the initiation of intensive therapy.

While pediatricians universally screen for autism by questionnaire at the 18 month well visit, research is focusing on developmental cues in infants as young as six to nine months of age which can expedite the diagnosis of this genetically-based disease. Look for these "red flags" in that age group and alert your pediatric provider:

-Poor eye contact, even with parents
-Infrequently looks to other faces
-Decreased social smiling
-Lack of facial expression
-Delayed babbling
-Limited vocalizations
-Poor control of emotions

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh are currently trying to discover even earlier abnormal signposts by directly observing infant interactions right in the home. One study uses an infrared camera to track eye movements to learn how normal and affected babies react visually to pictures and videos of people, patterns and objects.

For more information on these studies visit Pittsburgh Early Autism Study.

Anthony L. Kovatch, MD
Pediatric Alliance-Arcadia Division

 

Last Updated: September 24, 2009