Top Autism Researchers Publish Best Practice Standards in Pediatrics
WOODLAND HILLS, Calif. (PRWEB) October 20, 2015 -- A panel of top clinical practitioners and researchers with expertise in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) today announced its collaborative research on a consensus paper recently published in Pediatrics. The purpose of the research was to develop best practice standards for early identification, screening and early intervention for ASD in very young children and to identify priorities for future research. The panel reached consensus in three areas including: what are the earliest signs and symptoms of ASD in children aged 24 months that can be used for early identification; how to optimize developmental course and outcomes through ASD screening programs for children aged 24 months; and what interventions have shown efficacy in children with ASD aged 36 months. The consensus group was formed by lead authors Dr. Zwaigenbaum and Dr. Bauman after an October 2010 meeting of the international, multidisciplinary panel of experts.
“It was an honor to work with such an amazing group of leaders,” said co-author Doreen Granpeesheh, Ph.D., founder and executive director of CARD. “The research will set new standards for early identification, screening and intervention to help young children with autism.”
In the first area of consensus regarding identifying the earliest signs and symptoms of ASD in children aged 24 months, the group found there is evidence that reduced levels of social attention and social communication, as well as increased repetitive behavior with objects are early markers of ASD between 12 and 24 months of age. Additional potential markers include abnormal body movements and temperament dysregulation. Reliable behavioral markers for ASD in children aged 12 months have not yet been consistently identified.
In the second area regarding how to optimize developmental course and outcomes through ASD screening programs for children aged 24 months, the group found that evidence supports the usefulness of ASD-specific screening at age 18 and 24 months. The long-term stability of ASD diagnosis in children 24 months of age is well established.
In regards to the third area, what interventions have shown efficacy in children with ASD aged 36 months, the group found that current best practice interventions for children aged three years with suspected or confirmed ASD should include a combination of developmental and behavioral approaches and begin as early as possible.
Drs Zwaigenbaum and Bauman initiated the literature review, co-chaired the meeting that generated the consensus recommendations outlined, and drafted the initial manuscript; Drs Choueiri, Fein, Kasari, Pierce, Stone, and Yirmiya co-chaired the working groups that conducted the literature review, generated initial recommendations that were discussed at the consensus meeting, and provided critical input to subsequent drafts of the manuscript; Drs Estes, Hansen, McPartland, Natowicz, Buie, Carter, Davis, Granpeesheh, Mailloux, Newschaffer, Robins, Smith Roley, Wagner, and Wetherby were members of the working groups that reviewed selected publications, contributed to recommendations, and critically reviewed the manuscript; and all authors approved the final manuscript as submitted. To read the executive summary visit, http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/136/Supplement_1/S1.extract?sid=839141df-d44f-40b9-bcda-d3846a15dcb2.
About Center for Autism and Related Disorders (CARD)
CARD treats individuals of all ages who are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) at treatment centers around the globe. CARD was founded in 1990 by leading autism expert and clinical psychologist Doreen Granpeesheh, PhD, BCBA-D. CARD treats individuals with ASD using the principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA), which is empirically proven to be the most effective method for treating individuals with ASD and recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the US Surgeon General. CARD employs a dedicated team of nearly 2,000 individuals across the nation and internationally. For more information, visit http://www.centerforautism.com or call (855) 345-2273.
Stacey Price, Center for Autism and Related Disorders, http://www.skillsforautism.com, +1 310.740.5146, [email protected]
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