The average age of diagnosis of Asperger syndrome was 11 years old . This is despite the fact that autism and Asperger syndrome almost always have a pre-natal onset. Diagnosis had to be pushed for. My GP was reluctant to refer me and said I was worrying about nothing. I saw him at least six separate times to express my concerns about my son before he would refer me.
Improvement therefore is uneven.
If learning is to be relevant and achievable for children with autism and Asperger syndrome, it is essential that the needs of the child are identified and diagnosed as early as possible. The benefits of early intervention for children with special educational needs, including autism, are now largely accepted. The relative importance of early intervention and education is not reflected in research spending, which is weighted heavily towards genetic research as opposed to educational therapies. However, in the case of autism, the characteristic regression of the child into increasingly severe autistic behaviours makes the earliest identification and intervention of critical importance . The issue of identification is the primary concern in the early years setting, and one that autism organisations share with the other Special Educational Needs agencies.