Winter 2008

Recognizing the “Red Flags” of Autism

Early intervention can make a difference

An interview with Barbara Bennett, M.D., developmental behavioral pediatrician and medical director, Kalmanovitz Child Development Center at California Pacific Medical Center

Photo of a child playing; model used for illustrative purposes only

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the number of children in the U.S. who have autism spectrum disorders (ASDs)—a group of neurobiological developmental disorders—is now one in 150. In an effort to detect autism as early as possible, the American Academy of Pediatrics now recommends that physicians start screening children at age 18 months and again at age 2, instead of waiting until age 3 or 4.

“Early detection and intervention yield the best results in improving the primary symptoms of autism,” says Barbara Bennett, M.D., medical director of the Kalmanovitz Child Development Center at California Pacific Medical Center.

Distinctive Behavioral Symptoms

“Children with autism typically exhibit three distinctive symptoms— difficulty with social interaction, delayed verbal and nonverbal communication skills and repetitive behaviors or obsessive interests,” Bennett explains. “These behaviors can vary widely from mild to severe.”

Bennett notes that autism has a strong genetic link. “Males are four times more likely to be autistic than females,” she says. “In identical twins, if one twin is autistic, there is an 80 percent chance the other one will be, too. Siblings of children with autism are also at increased risk.”

A number of behavior patterns may indicate that a child is at risk for autism. “These ‘red flags,’ can range from a lack of or decreased interaction, to delayed speech or nonverbal development,” says Bennett.

Barbara Bennett, M.D.,
medical director, Kalmanovitz Child Development Center

“I have been screening young toddlers with ‘red flags’ for autism for more than a year. All have had early intervention, involving play, interaction and/or communication therapy. Many of these children have progressed very well. “Some toddlers are, in fact, ultimately diagnosed with autism, but all have made progress and some have few symptoms left,” Bennett adds.

Effective Therapies Promote Improvement

“Therapy for a child with autism is specific to his or her developmental needs and should be determined by an expert, “ Bennett advises. “There are a range of therapies that address communication, social interaction and intense interest issues.” These include:

Applied behavioral analysis to modify behaviors and teach skills through positive reinforcement. This one-onone therapy with a child aims to increase attention, eye contact and responsiveness.
Speech, language, occupational therapy and later social skills groups.
Floor time, relationship development intervention or other methods that use play as a base of intervention.

“There is no cure for autism, but you can substantially improve a child’s chances for overcoming developmental problems,” says Bennett.

To Learn More

For more information and video clips showing the “red flags” of autism, as well as diagnosis and treatment options, visit www.firstsigns.org.