Expert: James Michael Roan - 7/8/2005

Question
My son is 19 months old and has been slow to start talking.  He babbles regularly, but has a vocabulary of fewer than 10 words, and my wife and I are beginning to become concerned that there may be something developmentally wrong.

What's the earliest age at which a child can be tested for autism?  I've seen information stating that a diagnosis can be made at the age of 2 or 3, but I've also seen that medical researchers have been trying to develop tests to diagnose children earlier.  Also, I'm wondering if only the most severe cases can be diagnosed that early, and that milder cases of autism may slip through the cracks.

Obviously, I'm hoping that we don't need to wait 5 months to determine definitively if our son has autism.

Thanks for your time,
---Bill

Answer
Hi Bill;

I also suggest you "refer your son for a special education evaluation" by calling your school district's special services department or the special education director. School districts are responsible for serving children from 0 through 21 years of age who are "suspected" of having a disability. This should get the ball rolling for you.

Also, ask your pediatrician if they have the Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (CHAT). It is an excellent screener for behaviors consistent with autism.

Kind Regards,
Jim