Calling autism an "urgent public health issue," the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported in early 2007 that about 1 in 150 children in the United States are diagnosed with the developmental disorder — a higher rate than health officials had previously thought. Now, in an effort to help detect autism as early as possible, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is urging doctors to routinely screen all children for red flags of autism at 18 and 24 months old.
Subtle symptoms of the common disorder are often present before a child's first birthday — sometimes even in early infancy — but often go unnoticed until the symptoms are more obvious to parents, usually when a child is between 15 and 36 months old.
But the AAP hopes to change that by making moms and dads — and their doctors — more aware of some common warning signs that include:
- not showing big smiles or other expressions of joy by 6 months
- not sharing back-and-forth smiles, sounds, or other facial expressions by 9 months
- not babbling or using gestures (like pointing or waving bye-bye) by 12 months
- not using single words by 16 months
- not using two-word "spontaneous phrases" by 24 months (that is, not saying two-word phrases on their own without repeating or mimicking someone else)
- losing language or social skills at any age
Though there's no cure for autism, getting help early on is crucial to helping kids cope with the condition, learn, and communicate.
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Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
© 1995-2009 The Nemours Foundation. All rights reserved.
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