Tests may help early diagnosis of Autism. Scientists have identified early behaviours and indicators that may help diagnosis of autism. Early diagnosis and treatment could reduce symptoms in later life. Currently, many children are not tested until the age of 3 years but new tests mean babies as young as 6 months could be screened for autism.

Dr Amy Wetherby of Florida State University has identified 13 “red flag” behaviours to look out for in children aged 18 -24 months. In a study of 5,385 children she found similar tests can be used to diagnose children at 9 months of age. This study was reported in New Scientist magazine.

Another study, led by Dr Lonnie Zwaigenbaum, of Alberta University in Canada, found that one of the early indicators of autism can be diagnosed in children as young as 6 – 12 months.