April is National Autism Awareness Month.
An estimated one in 88 children in the United States are affected by an autism spectrum disorder (ASD), according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The direct cause for ASDs is unknown.
Children can be diagnosed with an ASD as early as 18 months. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends all children to be examined for developmental delays.
Healthy Start direct providers use the Ages & Stages Questionnaire as a tool to aid postnatal clients in identifying the normal physical, emotional and social development of their child. Although the ASQ does not screen for ASDs, it is a helpful resource for healthy child development.
For more information and resources on autism spectrum disorders in the Northeast Florida community visit: