1. Early Detection of Autism (Ulrich, 2008)
Early diagnosis is difficult because many infants are too young to show the traits of autism
Language, difficulty expressing feelings and understanding other’s emotions, inappropriate reactions to activities around them
Most diagnosis is at 2-3 years old
Problematic because misses a large window of opportunity for intervention when the brain is developing a lot

2. Researchers are now using blood tests to look for markers of autism
Identified higher proportion of immune system cells and differences in proteins among children with autism
With further research, could lead to screening tests
Communication problems between areas of brain
Early diagnosis would allow intense early intervention to ‘rewire’ areas of brain
Stimulate networks early on with the correct input
Not a cure, but would help symptoms

3. Dr. Zwaigembaum, University of Alberta (Glenrose)
Developed a 16 point observational checklist for autism behaviors among infants
Evaluated 65 1-year-olds who has older siblings with autism on this scale.
Children were tested at age 2 on traditional autism diagnostic tests.
Of those children diagnosed with autism at 2 almost all had 7+ specific traits at 1 year.
Easily irritated, difficulty with visual tracking, focused on a few objects, did not look towards speaker, few interactions with others
Repetitive motions (stroking), few gestures, less receptive language

4. Treatments for Autism(Ritvo, 2006)
Rational treatments: eliminating the cause of the disease
Supportive treatments: assisting and helping skills
No rational treatment for autism
The earlier the treatment the better

5. Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) therapy
Behavior Therapy
Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) therapy
See autism as a behavioral deficit
Teach small units of behavior systematically
Skills broken into steps
Prompts are used
Positive reinforcement (candy, smiles etc)
Physical prompts (hands-on guidance)
Appropriate behavior is reinforced
Trials are repeated until no prompts needed
Focus on increasing language, attention, imitation, social behavior, play, self-care skills.

6. Special Education Programs Medication Occupational Therapy
Other treatments
Special Education Programs
Educational supports, aides, special classes
Medication
Occupational Therapy
Sensory integration therapy
Assist child in organizing and processing sensory information
Teach child to compensate for their difficulty in regulating intensity of sensations
Fine and Gross Motor treatment
Most difficulty with fine motor skills: special programs and tools to help develop fine motor skills
Play and Socialization treatment
Play groups, games, cooperation and interaction

7. Speech and language therapy
Speech: make proper sounds etc
Language: use language for communication
Life skills coaching
Vocational training
Supporting living environments
Sports and hobbies
Non-competitive, non-group activities