Screen all children for autism, say US experts

WASHINGTON - All babies should be routinely screened for any developmental problems, especially autism, say new United States guidelines.

Babies diagnosed and treated early for autism usually do better than children who are treated later, say experts at the American Academy of Neurology.

"It sometimes takes years after the first symptoms are noticed for autism to be diagnosed," says Dr Pauline Filipek, a pediatric neurologist at the University of California, who headed the subcommittee that wrote the guidelines.

"It should never be assumed that the child will grow out of it or catch up."

Autism, which is marked by social withdrawal and behavioural problems, affects about one in 500 children, the subcommittee says in its report, published in the academy's journal, Neurology.

"Between 60,000 and 115,000 children under 15 years of age in the United States meet diagnostic criteria for autism."

The guidelines were developed with help from experts from 12 professional organisations who reviewed more than 2750 scientific studies about autism.

The researchers say parents worry about autism, and often notice early symptoms but cannot get help for years.

"In 1300 families recently surveyed, the average age at diagnosis of autism was about 6 years, despite the fact that most parents felt something was wrong by 18 months of age and usually sought medical assistance by age 2."

Fewer than 10 per cent were diagnosed correctly the first time a doctor saw them.

Several studies have shown that diagnosing autism early and starting the right therapy would help, says the report.

Symptoms of autism include communication problems, difficulty in relating to people, objects and events, strange play, unusual difficulty with changes to routine or surroundings and repetitive body movements or behaviour patterns.

"For example, children who aren't babbling or gesturing by 12 months should have additional testing," says Dr Filipek.

Children who cannot speak single words by 16 months, cannot come up with two-word phrases by 2 years or who seem to have lost language abilities may also be at risk, experts say.

Careful work on improving communication, social, academic, behavioural and daily living skills can help.

The report says children with autism generally learn better when they are given visual as well as verbal instruction, and when other children are around to help demonstrate language, social and behaviour skills.

- REUTERS