Yet even today, parents may leave their doctor s office with the advice that autism is a life long disorder, with no known cause or cure and that they should join a support group. Although significant improvement is possible, the course for the autistic child will be long and hard and will impose enormous strains on the family. The earlier interventions are initiated, the better the autistic child s outcome may be. The child with autism can learn. Every child with autism has the potential to improve.
Autism is a spectrum disorder with symptoms ranging from mild to severe.
The CHAT is a short, simple method that has demonstrated a high rate of success in screening children as young as 18 months for risk of developmental delay including the autism spectrum disorders. The following is an informal version of the CHAT s three basic behaviors, which should be elicited from the child by the pediatrician. Elicit a pointing gesture from the child. Ask the child to show you an object, or where something is. Show me the teddy bear.