Early signs of autism are usually subtle, and parents and doctors often don't recognize them. In an effort to educate parents and physicians about the importance of early diagnosis, First Signs, a non-profit autism education group, in cooperation with several New Jersey organizations, will launch a statewide awareness program that organizers hope will become a national model. The campaign kickoff is scheduled today at the U.S. Congressional Caucus on Autism in Washington. The longer you wait, the more difficult it is to get the child back on the correct developmental path.
Doctors can earn continuing education credits by completing course materials in the kit.
Autism is not obvious at birth, making detection more difficult, according to Dr. Robert L. Trelstad of the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. Wiseman said the campaign was launched in New Jersey because it has many programs that treat people with autism. The state has identified 3,000 schoolchildren with autism, an increase from 1,000 children in 1995. Experts believe the complex disorder affects more than 500,000 Americans. Affected children have trouble communicating and socializing.