The American Academy of Pediatrics
recommends that all children receive an
autism-specific screening at 18 and 24 months
of age in addition to general developmental
screenings. The screening that most
pediatricians administer is called the Modified
Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, Revised with
Follow up (M-CHAT-R/F). This screening
tool is a parent questionnaire. It’s also available
free online for families of children between
the ages of 16 and 30 months at M-CHAT.
org. Failing the screening does not necessarily
mean your child has autism. It means further
testing is recommended.
Another amazing resource for families that
want to learn more about the very early signs
of autism is AutismNavigator.com. Their
course called, “About Autism in Toddlers”
offers deeper insights by comparing side-byside
videos of children showing early “Red
Flags” and toddlers of the same age that are
developing typically. Their First Words Project
also offers a free online screener for children
between 9 and 18 months of age.
Autism sounds scary, but it doesn’t have
to be. The earlier a child is identified and
given solid interventions, the better their
developmental outcomes. FAU CARD can
assist families by providing autism screenings,
local resources, trainings, technical assistance
and evidence-based interventions.
Rosie Portera is a Clinical Specialist for
Florida Atlantic University Center for Autism &
Related Disabilities.
Here are a few of the “Red Flags” for
autism (For a more extensive list Google 16
Gestures by 16):
Social Communication:
• Limited use of gestures such as giving,
waving, pointing, or nodding their
head
• Delayed speech or no social babbling/
chatting
Social Interaction:
• Does not respond when someone calls
their name
• Does not seek attention to look at
things by pointing
Repetitive Behaviors & Restricted Interests:
• Develops rituals such as lining objects
up or repeating things over and over.
• Unusual posturing of hands, fingers, or
body
FAU CARD is a community-based program
providing assistance and supports to people with
autism spectrum disorder and related disabilities,
their families, the professionals serving them and
the community. All services are free. FAU CARD
serves Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Indian
River and Okeechobee Counties.
For more information contact FAU CARD
at 561-297-2055 or email: card@fau.edu. To
find the CARD that serves your Florida County
contact: 1.800.9.AUTISM
Treasure Coast Edition — Volume I Issue I, Winter/Spring 3
/AutismNavigator.com
/1.800.9.AU
link