Early intervention helps children with autism

ksl.com - The increasing number of children with autism is disturbing. One out of every 166 children may have some form of autism.
Utah has a high prevalence of autism, and there is also important research going on here.
There are several interesting studies about early diagnosis and brain imaging.
Autism is a complex developmental disability that usually appears during the first three years of life. It's called a spectrum disorder, meaning there can be a variety of symptoms and severity.Doctors don't know what causes it, but we do know it's difficult for families who have children with autism.
Four year old Savannah does not speak, although she signs a few words. Her lack of language is one symptom of autism. Another is that she seems to withdraw and does not relate to people.
Emilie Tanner, Mother: "She just wants to be left alone. She doesn't do a lot with eye contact. She doesn't play with other kids."
Emilie understood the symptoms because her 5-year-old son Ethan also has autism. She says special education and early invention has helped him. Emilie Tanner, Mother: "He's verbal. He's talking. He functions well, very social. It's a big step for him."
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