Experts on Early Intervention:
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An estimated 1 in 110 children in the United States have autism, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
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Average age of autism diagnosis is 5.7 years, according to a recent study by Washington University in St. Louis
"Research indicates that intervention provided before age 3-4 years has a greater impact than that after age 5. Younger children consistently make more progress during intervention than do older children."
- Teresa Cardon, M.A., CCC-SLP, autism specialist and author of Let's Talk Emotions and Initiations and Interactions
"Based on a set of individualized, specialized objectives and plans that are systematically implemented, educational services should begin as soon as a child is suspected of having an autistic spectrum disorder."
"Children with autistic spectrum disorders, like children with vision or hearing problems, require early identification and diagnosis to equip them with the skills (e.g., imitation, communication) to benefit from educational services, with some evidence that earlier initiation of specific services for autistic spectrum disorders is associated with greater response to treatment."
- Committee on Educational Interventions for Children with Autism, from the book Educating Children with Autism