Autism rates have tripled among children under 8, study finds - GMA
Autism rates have tripled among children under 8, study finds - GMA
Jan 27, 202350 secs
The disorder begins before a child turns 3 and can last through their lifetime, though symptoms may improve and vary, the CDC notes."You want to talk to your child’s pediatrician about this because early intervention makes a big difference," said Dr. Jennifer Ashton, ABC News chief medical correspondent, adding, "Remember, those children [with autism spectrum disorder] grow up to be teens and adults, so the more we can help them the better their outcomes can be."People with autism have a wide variety of traits affecting communication, behavior and socialization, according to the CDC.There is no medical test to diagnose autism, so doctors watch a child's behavior and development to make a diagnosis, according to the CDC.The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends all children be formally screened for autism spectrum disorder at their 18- and 24-month-old well-child visits.Additional signs of autism may include delayed social interactions, exhibiting repetitive behaviors or showing a limited interest in activities and sensory issues like sensitivity to noise or sound.