Web-based tool to help parents ID autism

TALLAHASSEE, Fla., Nov. 7 (UPI) -- U.S. scientists have created a Web-based tool designed to help new parents and health professionals identify the warning signs of autism.

The online video "glossary" created by Florida State University Professor Amy Wetherby and colleagues details such red flag specific behaviors as a baby fascinated with spinning a cup, a toddler flapping his hands, and a preschooler walking on her toes. It offers more than 100 video clips illustrating both typical and atypical development of young children.

The goal of the project, said Wetherby, is to help parents of children suspected of, or recently diagnosed with, autism better understand some of the words and terms they might hear, such as social reciprocity, joint attention, sensory defensiveness and echolalia.

"We have carefully chosen clips that can help parents see for themselves what typical behavior looks like, as well as behavior that might raise a red flag," she said. "These clips also help demystify terms that can sound complex, but represent important behavioral clues. These clues or early red flags of autism may indicate that there should be concern about a child's development."

The glossary is free and available at firstwords.fsu.edu, www.autismspeaks.org and www.firstsigns.org.