Trapani ASP Centre for autism. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment in Autism Spectrum Disorders
Pio Martines, Anna Rita Virzì
This article demonstrates how increasing awareness about screening tools and early signs of autism spectrum disorders in paediatricians, neonatologists and early preschool staff has resulted in a decrease of the age of first referrals. Early referrals have resulted in earlier diagnosis and quicker access to treatment, which in turn has resulted in a reduction in critical behaviours, an improvement in children’s clinical characteristics and a better quality of life for their families. Early intervention, as stated in literature, can prevent the full manifestation of Autism Spectrum Disorders and inhibit the crystallisation of problematic symptoms though phenomena related to brain plasticity and the possibility of modifying circuits that are still developing.
Keywords
Autism, screening, risk of autism, early diagnosis, early treatment.