World Autism Day 2022: Why is early treatment important for a child’s long-term development?

 

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is mostly a lifelong condition characterized by social-communication impairments as well as by repetitive interests and activities.

 

Early recognition of the symptoms and therapy is important to prevent long term complications and associated comorbidities.

 

Early interventions during preschool age, as early as 2 or 3 years of age is recvimy. During this period child’s brain has more capability to undergo transformation because of plasticity, meaning that it can be easily moulded and have good long term neurological development.

 

Early red flags for ASD include

 

– poor eye contact

– poor response to name

– lack of showing and sharing

– no gesturing by 12 months

– loss of language or social skills

 

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends screening of developmental and behavioral patterns for all children during regular well-child visits at these ages:

 

– 9 months

– 18 months

– 30 months

 

Additionally, AAP recommends that all children must be screened, specifically for ASD during regular well-child doctor visits at the age of 18 and 24 months. On the basis of results the pediatrician may recommend further tests, to check if a child is at high risk for ASD.