The first six months of life: A systematic review of early markers associated with later autism

There is now good evidence that behavioural signs of autism spectrum conditions (autism) emerge over the first two years of life. Identifying clear developmental differences early in life may facilitate earlier identification and intervention that can promote longer-term quality of life. Here we present a systematic review of studies investigating behavioural markers of later autism diagnosis or symptomology taken at 0-6 months.

Citation:
Cleary DB, Maybery MT, Green C, Whitehouse AJO. The first six months of life: A systematic review of early markers associated with later autism. Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 2023;152

Keywords:
Autism; Autism spectrum disorder; Development; Early behavioural markers; Infancy; Systematic review

Abstract:
There is now good evidence that behavioural signs of autism spectrum conditions (autism) emerge over the first two years of life. Identifying clear developmental differences early in life may facilitate earlier identification and intervention that can promote longer-term quality of life. Here we present a systematic review of studies investigating behavioural markers of later autism diagnosis or symptomology taken at 0-6 months.