Science Society

Dr. Alonim on Early Autism Detection and Intervention


Listen Later

Origins of the Study: Researchers at Bar-Ilan University, including Dr. Hanna A. Alonim from the Weisfeld School of Social Work Continuing Education Unit, spearheaded two vital studies, focusing on early autism detection and intervention.

10-year Long Study with 110 Infants: Before being diagnosed with ASD at ages 2-3, video recordings of these infants during their first year, shot by unsuspecting parents, were examined. Several autism traits were discerned, such as an aversion to touch, delayed motor skills, erratic activity levels, limited reactions, an accelerated head growth rate, eating resistance, and lack of eye contact. Furthermore, the interplay between these symptoms was scrutinized.

Key Finding: A staggering 89% of autism indicators were evident when the infants were merely 4-6 months old. However, these signs often escaped the parents’ notice during filming.

Highlighting Early Intervention: The second study emphasized the value of early intervention, analyzing the effectiveness of the Mifne Approach on two toddler age groups: 1-2 and 2-3 years old. Rooted in family therapy and attachment theory, the Mifne Approach ensures comprehensive family support, encompassing physical, motor, sensory, emotional, and cognitive development.

Outcomes of Early Detection and Therapy: By narrowing the time between early diagnosis and therapy, neurodevelopment deviations can be significantly curbed.

Dr. Alonim’s Insight: Highlighting a pivotal "window of opportunity," Dr. Alonim asserts the profound impact of early detection and intervention on the swiftly evolving infant brain. She underscores the urgency of bridging the chasm between initial detection, assessment, and intervention for any infant at potential risk.

Expert Commentary: Mark Blakey, CEO of Autism Parenting Magazine, applauds the research, underscoring the potential of early intervention in fostering greater independence in later life. He encourages parents to explore this subject further and recommends their guide article on recognizing autism in babies and toddlers.

Conclusion: With groundbreaking studies, Dr. Alonim and her team have illuminated the promise of early autism detection and the profound, transformative power of timely intervention. Their research heralds a new dawn in autism care, pointing towards brighter futures for countless children.

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

Science SocietyBy Catarina Cunha