La Trobe University academics have created a breakthrough autism test for babies as young as 12 months. They are being diagnosed for autism with a series of “red flag”markers which have been developed by these Melbourne researchers in Australia.
The LaTrobe University academics will start training of local child health and maternal workers in the use of screening tool as part of the routine age developmental checkups. Excitingly, this breakthrough Autism test for babies has been picked up internationally.
Post doctoral research fellow, Dr Josie Barbaro at Latrobe University’s Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre has created a set of criteria with 15 specific behaviors which are the very early warning signs of autism in children.
These specific markers rely on children being tested at the ages of 12, 18 months, two years and three a half years old. this is in preference to a one-off screening at a later age.
Josie viewed early video footage of children who are later diagnosed with autism and realized there were a set of specific markers that marked critical developmental stages at each of these age levels.
Critical markers for children by the age of 12 months are able to point at something of interest, have eye contact, responding to having their name called, waving goodbye and imitating actions.
22,000 1 year old infants were assessed using the screening tool with 81% of infants detected as at high risk of autism. As they grew older they were diagnosed with the autism disorder. A further study of 10,000 Melbourne infants has increased the rate of accuracy of diagnosis to 88%.
Signs of Autism in Babies
Dr Barbaro said “before this study it was very rare for children to be diagnosed under three because most paediatricians and GPs just didn’t know what the early signs of autism in babies were. There is no cure for autism” she said “but some children with early intervention are able to really fulfill their potential”
You Should Watch for these ‘Developmental ‘Red Flags’
By 3 Months
- No Joyful and warm expressions
- Your baby is not making frequent eye contact
By 6 Months
- Your baby doesn’t laugh
- There’s no big smiles
By 9 Months
- Your baby doesn’t follow your gaze especially when you look away from them.
- Your baby is not babbling yet
By 12 Months
- he doesn’t respond to his name
- No back and forth sharing of smiles, sounds and other facial expressions
By 14 Months
- He’s not pointing, reaching or waving to show interest
By 18 Months
- He does not play ‘peek -a-boo’ (pretend)
- No spoken words
From our Hearts to Yours,
