A new mother dutifully brings her baby to the pediatrician’s office for a scheduled well-baby check. During the visit the doctor will examine your child’s overall health and developmental skills. With the increased rates of autism in children, it is a concern for many new parents. Many wonder if pediatricians do actually screen for early autism signs. Or, if is something you must initiate with another professional. The answer is ‘yes’, pediatricians do screen children for autism during routine check ups.
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In a 2007 study, (Clifford & Williamson, 2007) forty-five families provided home videos of their child during meal/bath times, outings, birthday parties, and Christmas during their child’s first and second years. While watching the videos, researchers noted social behaviors displayed in each child. A high percentage of children in the group, who later received an autism diagnosis had shown similar rates of eye-contact, smiling at others, responding to having his/her name called, laughing, approaching others, and displays of enthusiasm in the home videos.
Doctor delays in diagnosing children with autism
If doctors detect developmental signs of autism in children younger than two years of age, why the delay in diagnosis? The reality is most children receive an autism diagnosis closer to their third birthday. This may partly be due to concerns a pediatrician may have of over-diagnosing children with autism. So, he or she may decide to continue to observe the child during future well-baby checks and track new or existing behaviors. (2001) Somewhat of a ‘wait and see’ approach until a true picture of your child comes into view. Since, in child development, age and abilities are intertwined.
The other challenge being early autism signs involve a lack of responding for what is the developmental norm for that age. In other words, not doing what is expected for his or her age. Does not reciprocate a smile. Does not point.
Be open about your child’s developmental delays
What are parents concerned about their child’s development to do? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Research indicates that parents are reliable sources of information about their children’s development”. Your pediatrician will be open to hearing any observations you have of your child. Be specific.
You may be concerned because your infant doesn’t look at you when you making cooing noises, or cries when tickled. So, in the week leading up to the next visit to the doctor’s office, write down the number of times in the day your baby makes eye-contact with you when you coo at him. If you coo at him ten times in a day, does he return your gaze half the time, or 50%? Is it more or less?
Also, you could average the amount of time your child spends his waking time crying. Mention other concerns you have about your child as well.
Formal autism checklists
Don’t be shy about asking if the office uses formal autism instruments when screening for autism. More information about autism screenings and those qualified to perform them, can be found here. Be sure to tell him/her if you have another child with autism as this is a risk factor. If you aren’t pleased with how things are moving along, ask your doctor for a referral to a specialist. Or, seek another pediatrician. Rest assured though, a child’s development is ongoing, autism signs in your baby will become clearer as your child grows.
References
Center for Disease Control and Intervention (n.d.)Screening and Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder for Healthcare Providers. Retrieved Nov 14, 2019 from https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/hcp-screening.html
Clifford, S, Young R, Williamson P., (2007) Assessing the Early Characteristics of Autistic Disorder using Video Analysis. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 301-13. DOI:10.1007/s10803-006-0160-8
Committee on Children With Disabilities (2001, Jul) Developmental Surveillance and Screening of Infants and Young Children. Retrieved from: https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/108/1/192.full