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Early detection aids autism treatment

Last month, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released updated statistics on the prevalence of autistic spectrum disorder among children.

The results, compiled from 11 different locations throughout the United States by the Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network, indicated an overall rate among 8-year-olds of 1 affected child out of every 68. The previously published rate was 1 in 88 from 2012.

It is unclear the exact reason for the rising prevalence of autism but one important factor is the increasing recognition of this relatively common condition. This is important since early recognition can help both parents and children with tools to improve outcomes. It is suspected autism results from both genetic and environmental influences.

The classic feature of ASD is impairment in social interactions with others. Some of the earliest indicators of ASD may be observed in infants and toddlers.

Examples include poor eye contact, lack of smiling in response to social interaction and the child’s failure to respond to his or her name. Early problems with language skills also are clues to the presence of an autistic spectrum disorder, including failure to speak single words by age 16 months or two-word phrases by 2 years old or loss of previously acquired language skills.

It is not uncommon for children with autism to display repetitive behaviors such as rocking, head-banging or certain hand movements.

Children with autism may have a very limited range of interests. They may become preoccupied with certain topics or things. They may be less tolerant of variation from familiar routines or may even display ritualized behaviors.

Autism may co-exist with other conditions including learning disabilities, attention deficit disorder and epilepsy.

The recognition of ASD is aided both by routine screening by the child’s health-care provider and by the observations of parents and other caregivers. It is important for parents to convey any concerns about their child’s development or behavior so these may be addressed in a timely way.

Commonly, when developmental screening is abnormal or there are significant concerns, referral to a specialty provider may be initiated for formal diagnosis with input from a multidisciplinary team of experts.

Once a diagnosis of ASD has been made, intervention may be provided across a broad spectrum to benefit the child and family.

Initial interventions are focused on helping the child with ASD strengthen social and language skills. These interventions are often based on the unique needs of the child to promote success both in school and other environments. In some situations, counseling or other support services for family members may facilitate development of effective coping strategies.

While most children with ASD do not require medication therapy, such therapy may aid co-existing problems such as attention deficit, depression or anxiety.

Dr. Matthew A. Clark is a board-certified physician in internal medicine and pediatrics practicing at the Ute Mountain Ute Health Center in Towaoc.



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