AAP Urges Autism Screening for All Kids Under 2

More on Autism

More common in boys than girls, autism is a disorder that can affect the way a child behaves, thinks, communicates, and interacts with others — some kids have only mild symptoms, whereas others' are more severe.

Although it may seem like more kids are getting autism today, it's unclear whether the increased numbers mean that the disorder is actually on the rise. Why? For one, a broader definition of autism can be applied to more children who show varying degrees of symptoms. Plus, health professionals are becoming increasingly more aware of the condition, which has led to more diagnoses.

What This Means to You

All of the media attention about autism has made parents more informed and more worried, sometimes unnecessarily, about autism. Although it's important to be aware of possible warning signs, it's also wise to keep things in perspective — there's a wide range of normal and all children develop at different rates.

Of course, although some signs or slight delays may not end up being an indication of a bigger problem after all, if you're concerned about any aspect of your child's development, talk to your doctor for information, advice, and possibly reassurance — the earlier, the better.

And don't feel like you have to "wait and see" about any of your developmental concerns. You're the best judge of your child's well-being — so, if you feel like something really isn't right, don't hesitate to request a referral to a specialist for a more detailed evaluation.

Reviewed by: Steven Dowshen, MD
Date reviewed: October 2007

Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.

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