New Autism Guidelines Offer Hope for Earlier Diagnosis, More Successful Treatment

One year can make a huge difference when it comes to diagnosing and treating a child with an autism spectrum disorder.

That’s why therapists are welcoming the new guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics, which require pediatricians to screen all children for autistic spectrum disorders at their 18- and 24-month checkups.

“The earlier we start, the better our chances of helping these children become more independent and better communicators,” says Marie Kurtz, MS, CCC/SLP, a speech therapist for the Care Team at Lancaster General Pediatric Physical Medicine and

Rehab Services. “These new guidelines are going to be a great tool for doctors.”

Lancaster General Pediatric Physical Medicine and Rehab Services provides a wide range of speech, physical and occupational therapy with experienced, licensed and certified pediatric physical medicine professionals to meet the specific needs of children from birth through age 21. Autism spectrum therapy is one of many offered to children through Lancaster General.

“We are qualified to provide therapy to children younger than age 3,” Marie says. “But typically, 3 has been the age where we would start seeing children diagnosed with autism.” She now expects more two-year olds will get the head start they need to overcome the challenges they face.

Signs of autism can be subtle, particularly at a younger age when language and physical skills are still developing.

Among the “red flags” pediatricians look for in a child:

• Not turning when a parent says the baby’s name
• Not turning to look when a parent points and says, “Look at…”
• Not pointing themselves to show someone an object or event
• Lack of back-and-forth babbling
• Late smiling, and
• Failure to make eye contact with people.

One in 150 American children has autism, and there are a wide range of autism spectrum disorders. With regular speech therapy, many children can strengthen their language development skills, communication skills and social skills to interact in a traditional classrooms environment. Occupational therapy helps them develop fine motor skills and address sensory difficulties.

“The goal is for the child to become as independent as he or she can be,” Marie says. Medical assistance is available for patients with limited medical coverage. Lancaster General Pediatric Physical Medicine & Rehab Services can help parents connect with the appropriate financial assistance programs.

“We don’t want money to be a primary concern, so we try to help parents get past that,” Marie says. If you think your child is exhibiting signs of autism, share your concerns with your child’s pediatrician. A physician referral is needed for all pediatric rehab and therapy patients.

Pediatric therapy is provided at Lancaster General Health Campus and Kissel Hill facilities.