Early motor delays as diagnostic clues in autism spectrum disorder

Conclusion: In that there is reasonable consensus that motor delays during the first year of life may represent aprodrome of ASD, pediatricians should not rule out the possibility of ASD in infants with concerning motor behaviors.What is Known:• Early identification of autism facilitates referral for early intervention services.• Traditional hallmarks for diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) include deficits in social communication and social interaction as well as repetitive patterns of behavior.What is New:• Recent research suggests that developmental motor delays during early childhood may also be important predictors of ASD.• Pediatricians should consider the possibility of ASD in infants with motor delays or other concerning motor behaviors.
Source: European Journal of Pediatrics - Category: Pediatrics Source Type: research