Question

question 19

at what age can early testing and intervention for autism spectrum disorder begin?

• age 10
• age 7
• age 2
• school age

Explanation:

Identify the clinical guidelines for early screening

Early signs of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can often be detected in infants and toddlers. Standard developmental screening guidelines, such as those from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), recommend specific screenings for ASD at 18 and 24 months of age.

Determine the earliest age option

Reliable diagnoses of autism spectrum disorder can be made by experienced professionals as early as age 2. Early intervention services are designed to support infants and toddlers during these critical early developmental windows to improve long-term outcomes.

Evaluate the given choices

• Age 10: This is much later than the earliest possible window for detection and intervention.
• Age 7: While children are frequently diagnosed at school age, screening and intervention can begin much earlier.
• Age 2: This aligns with clinical consensus that reliable diagnosis and early intervention can begin by 2 years of age.
• School age: This is a general period that occurs after the critical early toddler years when intervention is most impactful.

Answer:

• Age 10
• Age 7
• Age 2 (Correct answer)
• School age