Early prodromal signs of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) emerge during the first year of life, a time when brain plasticity is at its maximum level, and may consist of diminished social orienting, responsivity and reciprocity combined with the presence of prolonged visual fixation and repetitive use of objects. Developmental immaturities in communication and motor skills are often present as well. Pre-emptive Intervention (PI) for infants with prodromal signs of ASD was shown to improve outcomes, in comparison to later starts, by improving developmental skills, reducing ASD signs and, in some cases, preventing the full blown symptoms of ASD. Moreover, access to early evidence-based interventions may reduce the elevated levels of stress, anxiety and depressive symptoms experienced by caregivers of children with signs of ASD.
Despite research evidence showing that it is possible to identify early ASD prodromes and intervene to support development, professionals tend to have a monitoring approach, rather than targeting areas of impairment with early intervention. Moreover, the vast majority of current clinical models of ASD services require a diagnosis to receive support, however the identification of prodromal signs of ASD is generally is not sufficient to access early intervention. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a paradigm shift in ASD clinical practices in terms of very early identification and intervention.
This research topic aims to present “state of the art” research and clinical practice related to ASD identification and intervention during the first year of life, as well as discuss future steps to increase the understanding of brain and behavioral atypicalities during very early development in order to finetuning clinical practices.
Sub-topics of interest include:
1. Early brain and behavioral atypicalities;
2. Prenatal development;
3. Innovative identification practices;
4. Very early intervention.
All article types of the Journal are welcome, including: Original research, Systematic review, Brief research report, Methods, Review, Mini Review, Concept Paper, Innovative Case Report.
Topic Editor Dr. So Hyun Sophy Kim holds shares of the private company, SpectrumKU, for which their employer is also a share holder. Dr. Josephine Barbaro owns background intellectual property for the SACS autism screening tool. The other Topic Editors declare no competing interests with regards to the Research Topic theme. .
Keywords:
Early, Identification, Intervention, Behavior, Brain, Atypicality
Important Note:
All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
Early prodromal signs of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) emerge during the first year of life, a time when brain plasticity is at its maximum level, and may consist of diminished social orienting, responsivity and reciprocity combined with the presence of prolonged visual fixation and repetitive use of objects. Developmental immaturities in communication and motor skills are often present as well. Pre-emptive Intervention (PI) for infants with prodromal signs of ASD was shown to improve outcomes, in comparison to later starts, by improving developmental skills, reducing ASD signs and, in some cases, preventing the full blown symptoms of ASD. Moreover, access to early evidence-based interventions may reduce the elevated levels of stress, anxiety and depressive symptoms experienced by caregivers of children with signs of ASD.
Despite research evidence showing that it is possible to identify early ASD prodromes and intervene to support development, professionals tend to have a monitoring approach, rather than targeting areas of impairment with early intervention. Moreover, the vast majority of current clinical models of ASD services require a diagnosis to receive support, however the identification of prodromal signs of ASD is generally is not sufficient to access early intervention. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a paradigm shift in ASD clinical practices in terms of very early identification and intervention.
This research topic aims to present “state of the art” research and clinical practice related to ASD identification and intervention during the first year of life, as well as discuss future steps to increase the understanding of brain and behavioral atypicalities during very early development in order to finetuning clinical practices.
Sub-topics of interest include:
1. Early brain and behavioral atypicalities;
2. Prenatal development;
3. Innovative identification practices;
4. Very early intervention.
All article types of the Journal are welcome, including: Original research, Systematic review, Brief research report, Methods, Review, Mini Review, Concept Paper, Innovative Case Report.
Topic Editor Dr. So Hyun Sophy Kim holds shares of the private company, SpectrumKU, for which their employer is also a share holder. Dr. Josephine Barbaro owns background intellectual property for the SACS autism screening tool. The other Topic Editors declare no competing interests with regards to the Research Topic theme. .
Keywords:
Early, Identification, Intervention, Behavior, Brain, Atypicality
Important Note:
All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.