A diagnosis ofautism from the age of six months would subsequently eliminate the symptoms of the disease, according to a brand new American study, published in the scientific journal Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders.
Currently, most children with autism are diagnosed from the age of 3, especially when a language delay occurs.
Here, researchers from the UC David MIND Institute in California (USA) chose to focus on autistic children aged 6 to 15 months.
They presented characteristic symptoms: loss of eye contact and interest in social interactions, repetitive movements and lack of communication.
The treatment tested in infants was then “delivered” by those who spent the most time with babies: the parents themselves.
With the help and support of the therapists, the parents took care to promote the best interactions with the child so as to develop an interest in the child. infant.
The parents then tried to create a pleasant social routine for the child, in order to increase his learning capacity.
The interventions focused on increasing parent-child interactions, bringing smiles and joy to the pair formed. The use of toys to support the child’s attention was also tested.
Six out of seven children without symptoms by age 3
“Six out of seven children have regained their ability tolearning and language between their 2nd and 3rd birthday,” rejoices Professor Rogers, lead author of the study.
“And it was the parents, not the therapists, who allowed this, insists the researcher, the parents are with their babies on a daily basis. It is these little moments, during the diaper change, the meal, the games, the walks, which are the crucial moments of learning for these babies. And only parents can reap all the benefits. »
If the study gives a lot of hope as to the possibilities of treatment for autism, it highlights above all the need to develop an early diagnosis, before the schooling of the child, if we want to obtain the best results.
Source:
Intervention in 6-month-olds with autism ameliorates symptoms, alleviates developmental delay, UC Davis Health System
