Annotated Reference

Osterling, J., & Dawson, G. (1994). Early recognition of children with autism: A study of
first birthday home videotapes. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders,
24, 247-257.

In their research article, Osterling and Dawson (1994) compare individuals diagnosed with
autism and their typically developing peers by looking at videotapes of the childrens first
birthday parties. Using these videos, the authors set out to determine if there were specific
behaviours observed that were consistent with those who may be at risk for having autism
and then who later received a diagnosis of autism. A qualified developmental pediatrician
watched each of the videotapes and correctly identified 82% of the childrens diagnoses.
Results indicated that differences between typically developing children and children with
autism can be observed by the age of one. Early signs of autism in these children were
noted due to social deficits, joint attention, communication and self stimulatory behaviours.

This article is considered a classic article in the field because it was the first study that
looked at the early signs of autism from a retrospective point of view, using videos and
parent recall to determine what early red flags may have been present around the childs
first birthday. This article is important to me because it highlights that early indicators for
autism can be seen in individuals as young as 12 months of age.

Working in an early intervention program, children often dont start therapy until
they are between 3-4 years of age. Based on this research, and current research in the field
related to identifying those at risk for a diagnosis of autism, it is critical that service
providers, and health care professionals, are educated on what those early signs are. While I
understand that there are some additional factors that may get in the way of speeding up
the process of diagnosis (i.e., hesitation from parents, wait-and-see responses from
doctors), providing regular check-ups, screenings, and knowing what questions to ask about
typical developmental milestones is critical. This article has also made me more aware of
what to look for in siblings of those who already have a diagnosis. Because the population I
work with is mostly preschool-aged children, many families have more than one child and
that child may have younger siblings. We know that there is a genetic component to autism,
so it is important to be aware of what those early red flags are especially for the infant
siblings of children who are already diagnosed.

I believe strongly in the positive effects of early intervention services and how
intensive therapy can shape an individuals development and produce positive outcomes for
their future. Early diagnosis is vital and if qualified professionals can see the signs and
symptoms for individuals by an earlier age, the process of early intervention can start.