Researchers at Murdoch Childrens Research Institute have
discovered that toddlers who later go on to be diagnosed with
autism use fewer gestures, in findings that may revolutionise the
way in which autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is screened.
Early identification and intervention is crucial in managing ASD
but until now it has been difficult to diagnose children with the
disorder until the age of three or older.
As part of the Early Language in Victoria Study (ELVS),
conducted at Murdoch Childrens, the early developmental skills and
behaviour of 1900 children at key ages was measured including those
of 45 children diagnosed with ASD between the ages of three and
seven years.
Lead researcher and speech pathologist Carly Veness said that
the decreased use of gestures, like pointing, showing, giving, and
waving, at 24 months of age, was the main characteristic that
differentiated children with ASD from all other groups of
children.
"By analysing the amount of communicative gestures used by
children studied, we were able to differentiate children later
diagnosed with ASD from children with other forms of language
impairment or developmental delay, as well as typically developing
children."
"Our study showed there was a pattern of low gesture use for
children with ASD between the ages of 8 months, up to 24 months. As
early as eight months of age, early communication gestures
differentiated children with ASD from some of the other children,"
Ms Veness said.
The results of the study could revolutionise the way ASD is
screened for and provide better outcomes for children with ASD
through early intervention programs.
"We hope further research into low gesture use and the types of
gestures used will lead to earlier detection and diagnosis of the
condition to ensure the children receive the specialist early
intervention services they need to get the best start in life," Ms
Veness said.