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Early diagnosis of autism Volume 15, issue 3, Juillet-Août-Septembre 2012

Author
Hôpital Necker, 149, rue de Sèvres 75015 Paris, France

Autism continues to be diagnosed too late, despite the fact that parents often notice early signs. Although diagnosis cannot normally be made before two years, certain signs may be present within the first year, as early-onset and almost always before two years. Different studies, particularly those involving home video recordings, have attempted to identify early and specific signs, before the age of one, however, it is reasonable to assume that before 18 months, the signs of developmental problems are not specific to age. Above all, diagnosis is clinical. Two screening tools are available (CHAT and M CHAT) and three diagnostic tools are currently used (CARS, ADI R, and ADOS G). Communicating a diagnosis is a delicate task and it is sometimes difficult to establish rapid and intensive treatment. These cumulative difficulties certainly explain why autism is diagnosed at a late stage, but early diagnosis is crucial as it can enable early treatment, which changes the prognosis of autism.