Early Identification of Autism: How Early Can We Go?

Elizabeth R. Crais; Linda R. Watson; Grace T. Baranek; J. Steven Reznick

doi:10.1055/s-2006-948226

Seminars in Speech and Language, Table of Contents

Semin Speech Lang 2006; 27(3): 143-160
DOI: 10.1055/s-2006-948226

Early Identification of Autism: How Early Can We Go?

Elizabeth R. Crais¹ ^, ⁵ , Linda R. Watson² ^, ⁵ , Grace T. Baranek³ ^, ⁵ , J. Steven Reznick⁴ ^, ⁵

¹Professor, Division of Speech and Hearing Sciences, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
²Associate Professor, Division of Speech and Hearing Sciences, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
³Associate Professor, Division of Occupational Sciences, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
⁴Professor, Department of Psychology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
⁵University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Identification of young children at risk for Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) depends on early behavioral symptomatology and yet conventional criteria provide little guidance for use with infants and toddlers. Recent research, however, has demonstrated that there are patterns of behavior below 2 years of age that distinguish children with autism from those who are developing typically or those with other developmental disabilities. Skill areas with particular promise for early identification include social communication, sensory regulation, and play. This article previews current innovative methodologies, presents a synthesis of recent research findings related to these three key areas, and provides clinicians with practical guidelines for early identification of infants and toddlers at risk for ASD and other disorders.

KEYWORDS

Autism spectrum disorders - infants and toddlers - early identification

Full Text

References

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Elizabeth R CraisPh.D.

Division of Speech and Hearing Sciences, CB7190

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599

Email: bcrais@med.unc.edu