4

In this article, we present the latest scientific research related to the early monitoring of babies at risk of developing autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In particular, we focus on scientific advances that make it possible to better identify the difficulties that can appear in babies at risk (in particular, young brothers and sisters of children who have already been diagnosed). Indeed, 10 to 20% of young siblings of a child diagnosed with ASD also meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ASD (Grønborg, Schendel & Parner 2013; Ozonoff et al. 2011), which is higher than the prevalence in a general population. The latest research shows that developmental difficulties can already be detected before the age at which a diagnosis can be formally made (i.e., in the first two years of a child’s life). The clinical recommendations resulting from this research thus propose to monitor at-risk babies repeatedly in their early development, and in particular when developmental concerns are identified, either through standardized and/or structured assessments, or through parental concerns. Preliminary studies also show the benefit of intervening with this population at the slightest concern in the child’s development, even before a diagnosis can be formally made. These recommendations are in line with the recommendations of the “Triptych” instruction of the 3rd Autism Plan relating to the national framework for early detection, diagnosis, and intervention in France.