The prevalence of autism spectrum disorders in the United States is estimated to be approximately 1 in 68 children (though the World Health Organization estimates a global prevalence of just 1 in 160 children) (1 , 2)...The prevalence of autism spectrum disorders in the United States is estimated to be approximately 1 in 68 children (though the World Health Organization estimates a global prevalence of just 1 in 160 children) (1 , 2)The average age of the initial diagnosis is estimated to be 4 years of age [ 3 ], though research has shown that signs of autism can be observed by the fi rst birthday, and possibly before (4 , 5)Early identifi cation of autism is vital to prognosis, as studies have consistently shown that children who receive treatment at a younger age have better outcomes (6)Even with the right treatment, however, the degree to which caregivers are invested in the therapeutic process serves as a mediating fac-tor (7)For this reason, an autism-specifi c evaluation should aim not just to provide a diagnosis, as appropriate, but also to allow caregivers to participate in the diagnostic process in a manner that educates and empowers them.展开更多
文摘The prevalence of autism spectrum disorders in the United States is estimated to be approximately 1 in 68 children (though the World Health Organization estimates a global prevalence of just 1 in 160 children) (1 , 2)The average age of the initial diagnosis is estimated to be 4 years of age [ 3 ], though research has shown that signs of autism can be observed by the fi rst birthday, and possibly before (4 , 5)Early identifi cation of autism is vital to prognosis, as studies have consistently shown that children who receive treatment at a younger age have better outcomes (6)Even with the right treatment, however, the degree to which caregivers are invested in the therapeutic process serves as a mediating fac-tor (7)For this reason, an autism-specifi c evaluation should aim not just to provide a diagnosis, as appropriate, but also to allow caregivers to participate in the diagnostic process in a manner that educates and empowers them.
