http://www.babble.com/CS/blogs/strollerderby/archive/2007/10/30/pediatricians-group-screen-early-and-often-for-autism.aspxThere’s no cure for autism, but those with firsthand experience say early therapy can lessen the severity of this disorder. With that in mind, the American Academy of Pediatrics has come out with a strong recommendation that all children be screened twiceenCommunityServer 2007.1 (Build: 20910.1126)http://www.babble.com/CS/blogs/strollerderby/archive/2007/10/30/pediatricians-group-screen-early-and-often-for-autism.aspx#48908Tue, 30 Oct 2007 18:58:19 GMT42a08a39-daf3-4129-8a63-8a27b879cc03:48908Madeline Holler<p>I fixed the link. Thanks!</p> <img src="http://www.babble.com/CS/aggbug.aspx?PostID=48908" width="1" height="1">http://www.babble.com/CS/blogs/strollerderby/archive/2007/10/30/pediatricians-group-screen-early-and-often-for-autism.aspx#48904Tue, 30 Oct 2007 18:47:51 GMT42a08a39-daf3-4129-8a63-8a27b879cc03:48904Karen Murphy<p>The Autism Speaks link doesn't seem to be working. &nbsp;:(</p> <img src="http://www.babble.com/CS/aggbug.aspx?PostID=48904" width="1" height="1">http://www.babble.com/CS/blogs/strollerderby/archive/2007/10/30/pediatricians-group-screen-early-and-often-for-autism.aspx#48865Tue, 30 Oct 2007 16:44:46 GMT42a08a39-daf3-4129-8a63-8a27b879cc03:48865Renee<p>Early treatment may be more effective for a number of reasons. &nbsp;First and foremost, neural plasticity - we know children with autism process many types of information differently than typically developing children. &nbsp;Early treatment may give the brain a chance to &quot;rewire&quot;, and that's much more likely at 2 years than at 4 or 5. &nbsp;</p> <p>Also, there are a number of key behaviors, such as gaze-following and imitation, that open the door to all sorts of more complicated social learning later on. &nbsp;The earlier you can train kids on these key behaviors, the better chance they have of getting back on track.</p> <p>At least that's the hope :) &nbsp;Personally, I think it's great to see the AAP giving such a push toward early diagnosis. &nbsp;We've known about these warning signs for some time now, I'm happy to see them being publicized and put into practice.</p> <img src="http://www.babble.com/CS/aggbug.aspx?PostID=48865" width="1" height="1">http://www.babble.com/CS/blogs/strollerderby/archive/2007/10/30/pediatricians-group-screen-early-and-often-for-autism.aspx#48838Tue, 30 Oct 2007 15:07:36 GMT42a08a39-daf3-4129-8a63-8a27b879cc03:48838Sarah<p>Because it is easier teaching a child at age 2 than at age 4 or 5. &nbsp;The autistic behaviors are not so ingrained. &nbsp;The sooner you diagnose it, the sooner you can teach a child social cues etc... that don't come naturally.</p> <img src="http://www.babble.com/CS/aggbug.aspx?PostID=48838" width="1" height="1">http://www.babble.com/CS/blogs/strollerderby/archive/2007/10/30/pediatricians-group-screen-early-and-often-for-autism.aspx#48816Tue, 30 Oct 2007 13:51:08 GMT42a08a39-daf3-4129-8a63-8a27b879cc03:48816Jane<p>not knocking it, but what exactly is the benefit of treating a child for autism at age 2 versus 4 or 5? &nbsp;It's not like there's a cure. Is a treated child happier than an untreated child? &nbsp;Or is this for the parents and the medical community?</p> <img src="http://www.babble.com/CS/aggbug.aspx?PostID=48816" width="1" height="1">http://www.babble.com/CS/blogs/strollerderby/archive/2007/10/30/pediatricians-group-screen-early-and-often-for-autism.aspx#48803Tue, 30 Oct 2007 12:38:39 GMT42a08a39-daf3-4129-8a63-8a27b879cc03:48803katie allison granju » autism scares the hell out of me<p>Pingback from &nbsp;katie allison granju &amp;raquo; autism scares the hell out of me</p> <img src="http://www.babble.com/CS/aggbug.aspx?PostID=48803" width="1" height="1">