Paul S. Carbone, MD: Risk Factors for Autism Spectrum Disorder

Identifying the maternal risk factors of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) could be beneficial for earlier screenings and treatment plans for patients.

In an interview with HCPLive®, Paul S. Carbone, MD, professor of pediatrics, University of Utah, explained some of the advancements in pediatric autism care that has occurred in recent years.

Adopting better screening methods and advancing treatment has been slow, but new evidence-based research is helping to improve care. For example, the majority of pediatricians autism screenings are now routine at the 18 and 24-month visits.

Carbone said in the last decade the knowledge on how to best manage and treat ASD has expanded and improved, based on a lot of new genetic discoveries about autism. There has also been advancements in learning exactly how autism unfolds in early years, which helps provide better treatment plans down the line.

And more regular screenings allows doctors to focus on the processes of care.

Another area of focus will be on co-occurring conditions, including gastrointestinal problems, sleep issues, and other psychiatric struggles, such as ADHD and stress.

Carbone will present 2 presentations during the 2021 American Academy of Pediatrics Virtual Conference that focus on autism beyond diagnosis, specifically on managing the disease.