Early Recognition of Autism

Different stability of social-communication problems and negative demanding behaviour from infancy to toddlerhood in a large Dutch population sample

“…However, parental incidental observations and reports are not as accurate and effective as professional standardized procedures and measurements to indentify children’s symptoms. Above that, parents and professionals seem to detect different aspects of abnormal behaviour [39,40]. Thus, it is desirable to incorporate observations, measurements, and reports of both informants to increase the sensitivity and specificity in future research.…”

Pediatric Care by Homeopathic and Naturopathic Practitioners

“…2 In the United States there are currently 4 full-time schools of naturopathy and 20 schools that offer courses in homeopathy-both seem here to stay. The large number of HPs and NPs who appear to oppose immunization and who fail to recognize potentially serious conditions requiring prompt medical treatment, particularly in infants, is worrisome.…”

“…It would be reassuring to consider this problem unique to our English cousins, but unfortunately data exist to support a similar tardiness in the identification of such children in the United States. 2 A similar delay in the diagnosis of cancer or even anemia would never be tolerated. Autism develops its full clinical picture between 18 and 36 months of age; it should be diagnosed by 36 months of age.…”

“…B oth homeopathy and naturopathy are experiencing a resurgence in the United States and are commonly used for children. 1,2 The practice of homeopathy involves the treatment of disease with successive dilutions of natural substances, while the practice of naturopathy utilizes diet, herbal substances, and changes in the environment to treat disease. In a cross-sectional descriptive survey, 23/43 homeopathic practitioners (HP) and 15/23 naturopathic practitioners (NP) practicing in Massachusetts responded to questions regarding demographics and characteristics of their practice, payment schedule, immunization philosophy, and decisions regarding treatment of a 2-week-old newborn with fever.…”

Pervasive Developmental Disorders in Young Children

“…2,14 More than 75% of children with autism who have language delays and differences in social interaction and behavior are identified by their parents as being "different" by age 2 years. 15,16 It is not surprising that Chakrabarti and Fombonne found that children with more symptoms are identified at an earlier age. The mean age of diagnosis for autism was 30.0 months while the mean age of diagnosis for PDD-NOS was 37 months.…”