Children in the grip of autism

Early warning signs
In order to receive a diagnosis of autism or a related disorder, children must meet a certain number of behavioral criteria as described in the Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. In general, the criteria are applicable to children around the age of 3 or older, so diagnosis at an earlier age is much more difficult.

But given the importance of early treatment, Ozonoff and her colleagues have begun a study to determine whether there are identifiable symptoms of autism in infancy. So far, the research has shown that there are indeed detectable signs of the disorder in many babies long before they reach the age when it would be easier to spot.

Ozonoff has narrowed the preliminary results of the research down to six key symptoms in infants and toddlers that parents should watch for:

• Children don’t orient or respond to their names
• They don’t look at faces or make eye contact as much
• They don’t show objects to others or point at things
• They smile at others less
• They don’t try to imitate others as much
• They show less interest in other children

Whatever a child's age when the disorder is identified, once a reliable diagnosis has been made, the hardest part is figuring out what to do next. Some children with very high-functioning autism may not need major intervention, but given the serious impairments that usually accompany the disorder, most with an autism-related diagnosis will need long-term treatment.

“A disorder is an impairment, not just quirkiness,” says Volkmar. “We’re talking about things that take over a child’s life. They become a source of anxiety and stress, something that causes major problems.”

As many autism advocates point out, the goal of diagnosis and treatment is not to label or change a person’s fundamental personality, but to help children learn to live better in the world and give them more choices for the future. While autism never goes away, people with the disorder can go on to have meaningful, successful lives.

And, as the number of children with autism grows, society will increasingly have to make adjustments for their different perspectives and needs, researchers say.

“On top of normalizing an autistic child’s development, we have to prepare them to explain themselves to what will hopefully, one day, be a welcoming world,” adds Rosanne Walden.

MORE FROM HEALTH

Health Section Front

It's down to the final four on 'Biggest Loser' Being thankful ... you’re not like mom and dad Woman meets the stranger who saved her life 6 tips for overcoming holiday diet fears   One girl’s wish for an organ transplant   Supporting St. Jude’s Children Hospital   Getting out of a workout rut Holiday gatherings could spread swine flu   Women bare all for prostate cancer Gasp! Babies’ fat rolls being airbrushed away? Health Section Front   Add Health headlines to your news reader: