Autism in infants: an update.

Although autism is a disorder of very early onset, knowledge on how it is first expressed in infancy has, until recently, remained limited. In recent years new strategies of research, including prospective studies, have substantially increased our knowledge regarding autism in infants. Research findings have suggested the very early emergence of significant differences in social information processes. In addition to having important implications for research, these findings also offer new opportunities for screening and early identification and, hopefully, for improved outcome.