What causes autism – genetics, environmental issues or the psychological environment of a child?
Ms. Bird: A variety of factors are thought to be involved with causing autism. Recent studies suggest a genetic element, possibly a predisposition, is involved in causing autism very early in a child’s in utero growth. Other causes may include infections or neurological, metabolic, and environmental factors. GC: How is autism diagnosed? Ms. Bird: According to the Academy of Pediatrics, the typical process for diagnosing a child with autism should begin with a routine developmental surveillance — performed by all health care providers at every well-child visit. At this level children are screened for any loss of language and acquisition of language milestones (i.e. babbling by 12 months, pointing and gestures by 12 months, single words by 16 months, two word phrases by 24 months). If children pass, then they are to be rescreened at the next visit. For those children who fail, they should then be referred for laboratory investigation (i.e. formal hearing test, lead screening, and specif
