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How to diagnose autism

Lookup NU author(s): Professor Ann Le Couteur

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Abstract

Over the past two decades, there has been an explosion of interest in autism and autism spectrum disorders. Knowledge and awareness of the condition has grown exponentially at all levels among the general public, parents, health professionals, the research community and, more recently, at parliamentary level. Alongside the increased understanding of these complex and disabling conditions is the acknowledgment of a broadening of the diagnostic criteria away from a narrow definition of autism to the autism spectrum with less clear diagnostic boundaries. Growing evidence of the importance of early diagnosis and intervention demands knowledge and skills from all professionals working with young children and in particular those involved in recognising early concerns about a child's development. This article outlines current clinical and research findings in relation to early diagnosis and considers the role of the paediatrician in this process. Reference is also made to the National Autism Plan for Children.

Publication metadata

Author(s): Dover CJ, Le Couteur A

Publication type: Review

Publication status: Published

Journal: Archives of Disease in Childhood

Year: 2007

Volume: 92

Issue: 6

Pages: 540-545

Print publication date: 01/06/2007

ISSN (print): 0003-9888

ISSN (electronic): 1468-2044

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/adc.2005.086280

DOI: 10.1136/adc.2005.086280

PubMed id: 17515625

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