[By Richa Sharma, MD, Chief of Pediatrics, St. Peter’s Hospital, St. Peter’s Pediatrics]
As many as 1 in 36 American children meet the diagnostic criteria for autism spectrum disorder (ASD), according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Autism is neurologically-based and can impact a child’s social skills, communication and behavior; it does not present the same in every child.
Developmental differences usually become apparent early in childhood and most children can be diagnosed before the age of three. However, it may be difficult to diagnose in some children until they are much older.
The early identification of ASD is a public health priority. Early intervention means parents are able to access intensive treatments that can ultimately improve a child’s overall outcome in language, adaptive behavior, academic performance and IQ.
Children with autism may roll over, sit up and walk on time. However, delayed development of gestures, pretend play and social language are signs that are often overlooked until parents begin to notice differences in how their child interacts with his or her peers. Examples include:
- Doesn’t keep eye contact or makes very little eye contact
- Doesn’t respond to a parent’s smile or other facial expressions
- Doesn’t show concern (empathy) for others
- Doesn’t say single words by 16 months
- Repeats exactly what others say without understanding the meaning (often called parroting or echoing)
- Loses language or other social milestones (often called regression)
- Rocks, spins, sways, twirls fingers, walks on toes for a long time, or flaps hands (called “stereotypic behavior”)
- Obsessed with a few or unusual activities, doing them repeatedly during the day
- Shows a lack of interest in social interactions
- Displays challenges with joint attention (e.g. sharing focus with others, pointing to interesting objects to share with caregiver)
It is important to note there is a range of developmental milestones and most developmental delays are not due to autism. At every well-baby visit, pediatricians will routinely screen children and babies for proper development. If they detect any delays, the child may be referred to the New York State Department of Health Early Intervention Program (EIP).
EIP is a free program that evaluates and provides services to young children (birth to three years) who are not learning, playing, growing, talking or walking like other children their age. For the most part, children respond well to the interventions.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all children be screened for autism spectrum disorder at their 18- and 24-month well-child checkups, in addition to routine developmental surveillance. The screening test is called the M-CHAT-R/F and it is a set of questions that are administered in the office to the parent.
It is important to note that the M-CHAT-R/F is just a screening test and it is best used in combination with health and family history to identify children at risk. The parents’ opinion is irreplaceable, as they know their child best. By partnering with pediatricians, parents can help their children achieve the best possible outcomes.
To read more about the signs of autism, visit www.healthychildren.org.
St. Peter’s Pediatrics on the St. Peter’s Medical Campus, 1 Tallow Wood Drive in Clifton Park, offers a complete range of services for children from newborns to age 18. Services include well-child routine care, sick child exams, school and camp physicals, sports physicals, immunizations, health maintenance and education. Call 518-688-0295 for an appointment, or visit us at https://www.sphp.com/location/st-peters-pediatrics.
