Autism Warning Signs

By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - The American Academy of Pediatrics would like all children screened for autism twice by the age of two. Warning signs include babies who don't babble at nine months and one-year-olds who don't point to toys.

These signs do not mean a baby is autistic but they are warnings.

The advice is meant to help both parents and doctors spot autism sooner. There is no cure for the disorder, but we know early therapy can lessen its severity.

Some other warning signs can include a four-month-old not smiling at the sound of mom or dad's voice or the loss of language and social skills by any age.

But once again, remember, you cannot specifically say what these developmental things are, but you want to keep your eyes open, and at least look for the autism.

KYW Newsradio is proud to support the 10th annual Philadelphia Walk Now for Autism Speaks, to raise awareness and funds for autism advocacy and research, Saturday, September 15th at Citizens Bank Park. You can register in the morning and a stage show starts at 9:30 am. The actual one-mile walk starts at 10:00 am.

For more information click WalkNowForAutismSpeaks.org.