Autism Screening
Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a poorly understood developmental disability that appears to be affecting an increasing number of children. The cause or causes are unknown; it appears to be most likely a combination of genetics and possibly environmental exposure in and/or outside of the womb. There is no evidence which even suggests that any vaccine causes or increases the chance of autism; in fact, there is more research on vaccines as a potential cause than there is on many common personal and household chemicals and environmental factors which may play a role.
Symptoms of autism include decreased eye contact and communication, increased sensitivity to sound or touch, difficulties adjusting to change, repetitive movements, and developmental delays.
Because of the difficulty detecting the disorder at younger ages, and the benefits of early detection and treatment, children are now screened for autism at the 18 and 24 month well visits. We use a validated test called the M-CHAT. You will need to use CHADIS to complete the test before your child’s well visit; you will get a link on your child’s portal account before the visit.
Like other developmental tests, screening for autism is a standard guideline for all children, and is even required by many insurance companies. However, some of those same companies may pass on the expense of the test to the patient.
As part of our overall evaluations of children and their development, we watch for signs of possible autism at earlier ages and follow the latest research findings and guidelines, such as evidence that some signs of autism, such as poor eye contact, may be seen as early as 9 months of age.
Warning signs for parents to watch at 2 years of age include:
- the child not responding to his or her name
- not noticing when people come in or out of a room
- poor eye contact
- not playing games with parent
- not looking when you point at something
- seems not to hear very well
Resources for more information:
Local resources
- Early Intervention/Babies Can’t Wait, District 4
- Marcus Autism Center
- Emory Autism Center
- Navicent Autism & Development Center
References
Hagan JF, Shaw JS, Duncan PM, eds. Bright Futures: Guidelines for Health Supervision of Infants, Children, and Adolescents, 4th ed. Elk Grove Village, IL: American Academy of Pediatrics, 2017.
American Academy of Pediatrics Periodicity Schedule
Zwaigenbaum L, Bauman ML, Fein D, Pierce K, Buie T, Davis PA, Newschaffer C, Robins DL, Wetherby A, Choueiri R, Kasari C. Early screening of autism spectrum disorder: recommendations for practice and research. Pediatrics. 2015 Oct 1;136(Supplement 1):S41-59
Johnson CP, Myers SM; American Academy of Pediatrics Council on Children With Disabilities. Identification and evaluation of children with autism spectrum disorders. Pediatrics. 2007:120(5):l 183-1215
American Academy of Pediatrics Council on Children With Disabilities, Section on Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics, Bright Futures Steering Committee, Medical Home Initiatives for Children With Special Needs Project Advisory Committee. Identifying infants and young children with developmental disorders in the medical home: an algorithm for developmental surveillance and screening. Pediatrics. 2006:118(1):405-420