Autism experts urge early identification and referral for treatment, even if a formal diagnosis has not been confirmed.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recently issued a report on autism summarizing 12 years of research and clinical activity. One of the most crucial takeaways, said the report’s coauthor, is that parents and clinicians should not wait for a confirmed diagnosis to seek treatment if they suspect a child has autism. Overwhelming evidence indicates that early treatment improves long-term health outcomes.