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Mercandante and Hanover Area remain unbeaten in WVC baseball

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Cornell song connects him and Cash on ‘honest level’

<p>April was Autism Awareness Month. With all the controversial political goings-on and the many international issues boiling, it&#8217;s no surprise that the media hasen&#8217;t paid much attention to autism. But for those families with an affected child, the challenges can be massive and the disruption to life all encompassing.</p><p>I&#8217;ve always been fascinated by children and how their interactions with the world change as their physical, mental and emotional development unfolds. My college courses in developmental psychology were eye-opening and when supplemented by my pediatrics training in med school, set me up to be awestruck and delighted to watch Kate &#8212; and now Rowan and her baby sister Eve &#8212; grow, develop skills and evolve distinct personalities and abilities, seemingly hour by hour.</p><p>As you watch infants grow and develop, you begin learning about certain developmental guidelines they should reach: when the first tooth should appear, when they will begin pulling themselves up and when they may begin walking, talking, laughing and so much more. Although it&#8217;s important to acknowledge that each child is different and will develop on his or her own timeline, the pattern and general timing is important to look for.</p><p>Not reaching certain developmental milestones along the way could signal a serious problem, some physical, like hearing or visual problems, and some more mysterious and even controversial, like autism spectrum disorder.</p><p>Autism spectrum disorder can pose social, behavioral and communication-related challenges throughout life. It&#8217;s a disorder marked by developmental delays like not making eye contact, not wanting to be held or cuddled by a parent, or repeating actions over and over again. The signs of autism typically begin showing when a child is young, and it could be diagnosed when a child is as young as 18 months.</p><p>Treating autism early &#8212; called early intervention &#8212; may help a child develop certain communication and behavioral skills that help them throughout life.</p><p><strong>How autism is diagnosed</strong></p><p>Autism can&#8217;t be diagnosed with a typical medical test, such as a brain scan or a blood work. Instead, your pediatrician will conduct routine screenings to check for a broad range of developmental delays at ages 9 months, 18 months, and 24 or 30 months.</p><p>Your pediatrician typically will screen specifically for autism spectrum disorder during 18-month and 24-month well child visits.</p><p>In addition, your pediatrician may screen for developmental delays if your child is at higher risk for autism spectrum disorder.</p><p>If your child has a sibling with autism spectrum disorder or if he or she shows some signs of developmental delay, your doctor may screen for developmental disorders outside of the typical guidelines. That&#8217;s why it&#8217;s so important for parents to look for any delays.</p><p><strong>The power of early intervention</strong></p><p>Early intervention services can help children learn skills before age 3. These services include a range of skill development, depending on your child&#8217;s specific behavior delays, and could include help developing cognitive, physical, communication, self-help and social and emotional skills.</p><p>During early intervention, a specialist may help your child with eating, dressing, communicating, playing, solving problems, crawling or walking.</p><p>Research shows that working with children when they are toddlers may help reduce delays and help children &#8220;catch up&#8221; to their peers.</p><p>In one study, researchers tracked 569 children between the time of diagnosis and the start of elementary school. Thirty-eight children showed improvement to the point that the signs of autism had resolved themselves. However, 35 of the children who showed improvement still needed additional special services.</p><p>Other small studies have shown improvement in social interaction and IQ.</p><p>This research shows that by working with a child whose brain is still developing, we can have a positive impact on skill development; and the earlier we start, the more of an effect we can have.</p><p>Parents should discuss their baby&#8217;s development with a pediatrician. If your child is not meeting certain milestones, it&#8217;s vital to reach out for help, rather than wait until the next routine screening.</p><p>If you&#8217;re concerned that your child may not be developing normally, it&#8217;s important to trust your gut and ask your pediatrician right away. A doctor can screen your child and provide resources and a referral to get your child help sooner than later.</p><style>
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<div class="metaInfo"><bylineMeta><p>By Alfred Casale</p><p>To Your Health</p></bylineMeta></div><div class="metaInfo"><shirttailMeta><p>Dr. Alfred Casale, a cardiothoracic surgeon, is Associate Chief Medical Officer for Geisinger Health and Chair of the Geisinger Cardiac Institute. Readers may write to him via ae@www.timesleader.com.</p></shirttailMeta></div>

To Your Health: Early intervention can aid development in autistic children