America's topmost child health group -the American Academy of Pediatrics is pushing for all children to be screened twice, for autism, before age two.
The new recommendations released by the American Academy of Pediatrics this Monday, emphasize early intervention, which is touted to improve a child's chances for effective treatment.
Autism
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder typically characterized by impaired social and communication skills combined with repetitive movements.
Advertisement
"If you recognize it earlier, you get them into treatment earlier," explains Dr. Scott Myers, a pediatrician specializing in neurodevelopment. Myers co-authored two clinical reports designed to help pediatricians spot and manage autism. "Kids who start (treatment) earlier do better in the long run," he adds .
For the first time, the guidelines call for universal screening of babies at the regular 18- and 24-month check-ups. This is regardless of whether there are warning signs. The guidelines will be published in the journal Pediatrics as well as on the group's Web site at http://www.aap.org.
![Support for Autism Patients Welcome]( "Support for Autism Patients Welcome")
The AMA welcomes the recognition by both major political parties that the incidence of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) is a problem that needs appropriate services.
Till now, the exact cause of autism is unknown. Autism is a complex developmental disorder that includes problems with social interaction and communication. The symptoms of autism can range from mild awkwardness to severe disability and mental retardation. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that about one in every 150 U.S. children has autism. Some parents credit early detection and intervention for the changes shown by their autistic children. Doctors say while catching the disorder early on might not cure it; it could well mitigate the symptoms.
Under the new recommendations, doctors are expected to keep a watch out for symptoms such as not responding to a parent's call, a lack of "baby talk", smiling late, and difficulty or failure to make eye contact.
Source: Medindia
ANN/C
Support for Autism Patients Welcome
The AMA welcomes the recognition by both major political parties that the incidence of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) is a problem that needs appropriate services.
Advertisement
Till now, the exact cause of autism is unknown. Autism is a complex developmental disorder that includes problems with social interaction and communication. The symptoms of autism can range from mild awkwardness to severe disability and mental retardation. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that about one in every 150 U.S. children has autism. Some parents credit early detection and intervention for the changes shown by their autistic children. Doctors say while catching the disorder early on might not cure it; it could well mitigate the symptoms.
Under the new recommendations, doctors are expected to keep a watch out for symptoms such as not responding to a parent's call, a lack of "baby talk", smiling late, and difficulty or failure to make eye contact.
Source: Medindia
ANN/C
Autism - Frequently Asked Questions
Do you know which doctor should you consult if you have Autism. This and other commonly asked questions about this condition.
Advertisement
Advertisement
|
Advertisement
Recommended Readings
Latest Child Health News
Gaining deeper understanding of early perception is crucial for unraveling infant cognition and understanding how musical abilities impact early development.
Prenatal and postnatal B-12 vitamins increase the micro-nutrients in breast milk to support the development of the baby's brain.
The presence of Streptococcus in the placenta was associated with a two- to three-fold increase in the probability of neonatal unit admission.
Facing discrimination and acculturating during pregnancy could not only affect the mother but also potentially harm the baby's brain health.
A number of pathogens are to blame for the rise in childhood acute respiratory diseases, according to Chinese health officials.