Mahaiwe Chiropractic, Health & Nutrition Services

Early Intervention (EI) is a federally funded program that offers developmental assessments and services for children birth to three years of age.   It is a recognized fact that the earlier professionals intervene in the development of a child with a disability or disorder, the better the prognosis.   Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that can have a profound effect on socialization, communication, learning, and other behaviors.   Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) were once considered psychiatric in nature.   The latest research has brought forth evidence that ASDs are physiological and biochemical disorders that involve gastrointestinal, immunological, and infection-related issues. (1)

Red Flags

Parents and caregivers cannot expect that their pediatrician or family doctor will identify or diagnose ASDs in babies and toddlers.   It is up to the parent to insist that further evaluations are done if the following red flags are present (2):

• No big smiles or other warm, joyful expression by six months or thereafter
• No back-and-forth sharing of sounds, smiles, or other facial expression by nine months or thereafter
• No babbling by 12 months
• No back-and-forth gestures, such as pointing, showing, reaching, or waving by 12 months
• No words by 16 months
• No two-word meaningful phrases (without imitating or repeating) by 24 months
• Any loss of speech or babbling or social skills at any age

What You, The Caregiver, May be Observing

In addition to these red flags, parents and caregivers who observe the following in their child should also insist on further evaluations (3):

• Little or no reaction when name is called.
• Little of no initiation of communication or inappropriate language use.
• Does not use or seem to understand pointing.
• Skills that seem out of order (for example, maybe he can recite a part of a complex song or video, but not use language to greet you or tell you what he wants).
• Poor eye contact and/or social relationships with others.
• Over-sensitivities to sounds, people around him, textures, foods, lights, etc.
• Repetitive movements such as lining up toys or holding onto objects without an obvious purpose (these may seem to have a calming effect).
• A strong need for predictable routines.
• Self-stimulatory behaviors such as hand flapping or rocking.

Where to Go for Early Intervention

• The Pediatric Development Center
  388 Columbus Avenue
  Pittsfield, MA 01201
  413) 499-4537
• First Steps
  Children's Health Program
  54 Castle Street
  Great Barrington, MA 01230
  (413) 528-9311

If you live in other counties, contact your health department for the nearest EI program.   An autism specialist can offer a consultation, but you need to see a licensed psychiatrist or psychologist who specializes in ASDs, a developmental pediatrician, or a neurologist for a diagnosis.

Remember, the earlier ASDs are recognized, the better the outcome including possible recovery.

1. McCandless, J., "Children with Starving Brains: A Medical Treatment Guide for Autism Spectrum Disorder," 3 rd Edition, 2007 Bramble Books.
2. www.firstsigns.org
3. Young, S., "I've Just Been told My Child Has Autistic Spectrum Disosder," 2005 Holistic Learning Center.