GPs are on the autism front line and they need help: AMA
7th December 2016
By Rada Rouse
GPs need access to uniform clinical guidelines for diagnosing autism, the AMA says, as most Australian children on the spectrum are missing out on early therapeutic intervention.
In a position statement on autism spectrum disorder (ASD) released today, the AMA cites Medicare data which shows that children are commonly diagnosed at about the age of six, whereas the optimum age is two.
AMA president Dr Michael Gannon says GPs are usually the first health professional that a parent will confide in about their concerns for their chid.