Specialists say that it is imperative to have an early detection of autism in order to improve a child’s chances to cope in life. There is no specific cure, but treatment can help the child to cope in regular environments.

Symptoms and ways of treatments are presented in two new clinical reports from the American Academy of Pediatrics and can help pediatricians to recognize earlier (ASDs) and guide parents to effective interventions in order to improve their children’s life.

Chris Plauche Johnson, MD, MEd, FAAP, and co-author of the reports, said that early intervention can make a huge difference in child prognosis because therapy “helps children want to learn and communicate.”

The first clinical report, called “Identification and Evaluation of Children with ASDs” presents detailed information about signs and symptoms. A language delay around 18 months is the first that draws parents’ attention.

There are other early subtle signs that, if detected, might help to an early detection of ASD, for example: the child is not responding when called by name, not responding to pointing at things and has no interest to point out at things either, it smiles late, it doesn’t make eye contact with people, lack of babbling, preference for hard items to play or to hold and not puffy and fluffy ones.

The second AAP clinical report, “Management of Children with ASDs” presents educational strategies and associated therapies. The report advises for early intervention as soon as an ADS diagnosis is considered. “The child should be actively engaged in intensive intervention at least 25 hours per week, 12 months per year with a low student-to-teacher ratio allowing for sufficient one-on-one time. Parents should also be included.”

Pediatricians are advised to help families to evaluate scientific evidence and recognize unsubstantiated treatments. If parents should choose complementary and alternative medicine therapies, they should be open to that.

The reports describe behavior management strategies or medications and in what cases these are effective. It also provides guidance for medication management for ASDs children medical issues.

The reports will be part of the new AAP practical resource for pediatricians “AUTISM: Caring for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Resource Toolkit for Clinicians,” which includes screening and surveillance tools, guideline summary charts, management checklists, developmental checklists, developmental growth charts, early intervention referral forms and tools, sample letters to insurance companies and family handouts and they will be found at http://www.aap.org.