New checklist could detect autism by age 1

An early screening test for autism, designed to detect signs of the disorder in babies not older than 1 year old, could revolutionize the care of autistic children, experts say, diagnosed and treated by them years earlier than usual.The 24-item checklist takes just five minutes to complete and can be filled out in a pediatrician's waiting room, when parents children for their routine 12-month checkup, says a study of more than 10,000 infants, published today in the Journal of Pediatrics. The checklist — online now available — ask parents or other carers about their child communication skills, babbling and first words to contact with the eyes. The study was funded by the National Institutes of Health and others.Doctors referred to children who are not screening for more definitive tests and, if necessary, treatment. Researchers followed them up to 3 years. The screening accurately diagnosed about 75% of the children.On average, people started with autism therapy by age of 17 months.That's a huge progress, experts say. About 1 in 110 children have autism or autism-like condition, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Today, says most autistic children are not diagnosed until 5 years, the CDC.Children diagnosed late miss opportunities to therapy while their brains are growing and most simply furnished, says Geraldine Dawson of the non-profit organization Autism Speaks, who also helped finance the research.Intensive behavioral therapy offers the best hope for autistic children help improve language and behavior, a recent analysis found in the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends screening of all children of Autism at 18 to 24 months, relatively few doctors Pediatrics. Although doenDawson says.

• No big smile or other joyous expressions with 6 months.

• Do not back-and-forth exchange of sounds, smiles, or other facial expressions by 9 months.

• No babbling by 12 months.

• No words by 16 months.

• No two-word meaningful sentences (without imitating or repeating) by 24 months.

• Loss of speech or social skills at any age.

Source: Autism Speaks

That could change, thanks to the success of this study, says Alison Singer, the President of the Autism Science Foundation, an advocacy group.Authors of the study note that the checklist not all catch cases of autism, such as those for the first time in older children appear.But because it is free and easy to use, all pediatricians should be able to quickly begin using it, says the singer, who wishes her daughter, Jodie, now 13, had been screened early. "We lost a lot of time wondering and waiting before they get a diagnosis on 2, "says the singer. "I can't help but wonder where my daughter would be today if she is fixed at 1 year old."For more information about reprints & permissions, visit our FAQ 's. Report corrections and clarifications, contact standards Editor Brent Jones. For consideration of publication in the newspaper, send comments to letters@usatoday.com. Include name, phone number, city and State for authentication. View our corrections, go to corrections.usatoday.com.