New Research on Earlier Intervention in Autism : A Q&A with Dr. Lisa Shulman -

New Research on Earlier Intervention in Autism : A Q&A with Dr. Lisa Shulmanby THE DOCTOR'S TABLET EDITORS on SEPTEMBER 18, 2014
Last week, findings from a small but notable University of California–Davis study showed that intervening earlier than usual with infants who show signs of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can help prevent them from developing the disorder by the time they reach age 3 or 4. For perspective, we spoke with Einstein’s Dr. Lisa Shulman, a neurodevelopmental pediatrician and featured contributor to this blog. She explains how the study’s findings mirror what she sees in clinical practice at Einstein’s Children’s Evaluation and Rehabilitation Center and offers takeaways for clinicians and parents. - 
What are some of the earliest signs that an infant may have ASD?

The symptoms that give rise to concern about ASD in infants (6 months or older) include:

• Unusual visual fixation (e.g., looking at a ceiling fan for long periods of time as a preferred activity)

• Unusual, repetitive patterns of object exploration (e.g., spending long periods of time spinning, tapping, or opening and closing things)

• Lack of communicative acts such as gestures (e.g., no hands being raised to be picked up by 9 months, no pointing by 12 months)

• Lack of sound and consonant production

• Lack of coordinated eye contact, smiling and reciprocal interaction during play with a parent

• Decreased eye contact and interest in social interaction

• Lack of response to name

• Reluctance to smile

• Lack of a tendency to imitate sounds or actions

• Tendency for a toddler to entertain himself or herself for long periods of time

- See more at: http://blogs.einstein.yu.edu/new-research-on-earlier-intervention-in-autism-a-qa-with-dr-lisa-shulman/#more-7232
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