Treating autism in infants? Study suggests it may be possible

Study suggests early treatment may prevent symptoms in some

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The latest numbers show one in 68 children in the United States have some type of autism spectrum disorder. 

Most children with autism are diagnosed and begin treatment around age three. But what if you could treat children as babies instead?  A new study suggests it might be possible.

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Researchers at the UC Davis Health System wanted to see if parents can help reduce symptoms of autism in babies simply by changing how they play and interact with them.

Kristin Hinson's son took part in the study called "Infant Start." 

Hinson has five children and her two older sons both have autism. When her third son Noah was a baby, she was worried.

"About nine months, he was starting to kind of retreat," said Hinson.

Siblings of children with autism are seven-times more likely to have the disorder.

As part of the trial, researchers studied seven at-risk babies who were between six and 15 months. All had demonstrated early signs of autism, such as low interest in interactions and abnormal repetitive behaviors.

"We're teaching parents how to corral their infant's attention. Helping them to increase their interest and increase the fun that they have in social interactions," said Sally Rogers, a professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at UC Davis.

Parents received training sessions and used the methods they learned at home to increase social interaction while performing everyday activities, such as changing a diaper.

Rogers said simple switches, such as positioning the changing table so that you can make eye contact with baby during diaper changes may help.

Results of the study showed six of the seven at-risk babies did not have any signs of autism or any developmental delays at age three.  Noah was one of them.

"When he turned 18 months, he was in the clear," said Hinson. "There was no diagnosis, there was no therapy."

A hopeful sign that earlier intervention could help other high-risk kids.

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