FIRST WORDS Project

While it is not quite as simple as the news makes it sound, this screen does have the ability to identify early and sometimes subtle signs of Autism-spectrum disorders in infants and toddlers. The sooner the signs are recognized and interventions are started, the better the child will do.

FIRST WORDS Project
"CSBS-DP Infant/Toddler Checklist

Description of the Checklist

The Communication and Symbolic Behavior Scales Developmental Profile Infant/Toddler Checklist is designed to measure the following 7 language predictors have been identified:

• Emotion and Use of Eye Gaze,
• Use of Communication,
• Use of Gestures,
• Use of Sounds,
• Use of Words,
• Understanding of Words, and
• Use of Objects.
  

The Checklist is a first step in routine developmental screening for children 6 to 24 months of age to decide if a communication evaluation is needed. It is designed for use in pediatricians' offices during well-child check-ups or routine visits or in childcare centers or other facilities serving infants and toddlers and their families. The Checklist is to be completed by a caregiver, who may be either a parent or other person who nurtures the child on a daily basis. The Checklist takes about 5 to 10 minutes to complete."