Studies are being done to help understand and detect the signs of autism as early as possible for effective intervention

Studies have been on to understand if it’s possible to diagnose autism spectrum disorder early in life. Studies by Manning-Courtney have been done on siblings of autistic children. It helped to understand the behavioural differences surfacing before 18 months. At 6 months, it is difficult to differentiate between an autistic and normal child. Autistic children between the ages of 12-18 months can show subtle differences. Their eye contact, play behaviour and visual tracking behaviour can be observed. Autistic children will respond less to names, babble, and use more gestures. They will be also prone to either limited play activity or excessive play activity. Autistic children including their siblings, who have a high risk for the same, ideally should be exposed to lower behavioural thresholds. It is important for paediatricians to be able to screen the disease early. This will help in early interventions at the children’s behavioural and learning processes.