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University of Washington Study: Children As Young As 1 Can Show Signs of Autism

Posted on: Wednesday, 3 August 2005, 18:00 CDT

SEATTLE (AP) -- University of Washington researchers conclude in a new study that children as young as 1 year old can show signs of autism.

The study published Monday in the Archives of General Psychiatry found that 1-year-olds later diagnosed with early onset autism are less likely than other children to babble or point at objects and people.

The study also found that children with a different kind of autism, autistic regression, used complex baby talk twice as much as typical infants by age 1 and then regressed significantly by their second birthday.

Autism is a neurological disorder that affects a person's ability to talk and engage emotionally. Experts estimate that it affects as many as one in 167 people.

The causes are still unknown, but researchers continue to investigate environmental, biological and genetic links to the disorder. Some parents suggest that exposure to mercury in vaccines may be the cause, but several studies have disputed that claim.

The University of Washington research, led by Geraldine Dawson, director of the University of Washington Autism Center, was based on the behavioral analysis of 56 children videotaped on their first and second birthdays.

The videos included children with no developmental disabilities and kids with early onset autism or autistic regression.

The research provides the first hard evidence for autistic regression. The disorder accounts for an estimated 25 percent of all diagnosed cases in the United States.

"The study lends further support to the need for parents to be aware of possible autism symptoms by at least 12 months of age," Dawson said. "By intervening earlier, we might be able to have more effect because the brain is still developing and more plastic, and thus more responsive to treatment."

The research also suggests that in addition to early screening for autism, screening should be done at ages 2 and 3 to find those who develop normally at first and then regress into autism, she said.

Did you know?

Autism is a neurological disorder experts believe affects one in 167 people. There is no known cause or cure.

Source: Columbian

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