[Identifying and treating autism spectrum disorders in perinatal care]

Severe forms of autism may be spotted by families in the first year of life, but are still rarely treated before the age of 3. Screening and early treatment are recommended to improve the children's functional prognosis. However, there is still little knowledge among perinatal and early childhood professionals of the symptomatology of autistic disorders. Several points are sensitive: during the first year the symptoms of children at risk are non-specific apart from a lack of desire to form relationships; and the early treatment probably modifies the clinical picture of young patients. Screening tools are rare but are starting to be developed.