Recent Advances in Early Identification and Treatment of Autism

Abstract

Currently, autism spectrum disorders (ASD) can be reliably diagnosed between the ages of 2 and 3 years. Efforts to identify symptoms of ASD in younger children are underway. Recent evidence suggests that children with ASD show reduced rates of early nonverbal social-communication skills by about 12 months, although diagnosis before age 2 remains a challenge. These early social-communication skills can be improved with targeted intervention, and doing so may produce broader improvements in later-emerging skills. Research is beginning to explore the use of these interventions with toddlers, with some success. Despite these advances, much is still unknown about the early presentation of ASD or the best way to intervene.