Abstract:
Introduction: The worldwide prevalence of autism points out of 2% of the population. Although we still lack biological markers for autism, there is evidence of autism-related patterns of behavior as early as the first year of life. On the other hand, there is still much knowledge yet uncovered concerning behavioral variables and the ability to predict autism in early infancy.
Objectives and methods: A pioneering study was conducted to evaluate variables associated with autism in early infancy. A decade-long study took place at the Mifne Center, examining 110 infants between the ages of 5-15 months who were eventually diagnosed with autism at the age of 2-3 years, using a retrospective analysis of videotapes by their parents' during the first months of their infants’ lives, before suspicions arose. In addition, the parents filled out questionnaires covering infant development, including follow-up data from healthcare clinics.
Results: The eight variables related to autism found in subjects included: Excessive passivity or activity, lack of eye contact, lack of interest and response to the environment, refusal to eat, recoil from touch, delay in motor development, accelerated growth of the head circumference. The results of this study have provided the basis for the development of a preliminary assessment tool for the detection of infants at risk for autism (ESPASSI©) suitable for screening in 5-15 month old infants).
Conclusion: Symptoms associated with ASD are in most cases detectable as early as one year or even at a few months of age, which can support the ability to detect high-risk infants. This is a temporary assessment that can navigate the priority of treatment for the infant and family.
