Autism in Infancy

The signs of autism in infants are very difficult to identify but researchers and pediatricians are developing early screening tools that can be used in infancy. The most common screening tool used to detect autism in infancy is typically administered during a routine check up at the infant's pediatrician's office. The doctor or nurse will ask a series of questions that revolve around communication and social development. Typical questions in these screening tools include but are not limited to:

"Does the baby respond to his name?"
"Does he smile at others?"
"Does he point at objects?"
"Does he reach for objects?"

These questions are typically asked at a 12-month visit. However, some doctors will ask about the child's responding to his name as well as smiling and cooing during an earlier visit.

If the answer is "no" to at least six of the questions then the parents would want to have further screening for autism. This does not mean that the child actually has a pervasive developmental disorder.