[Early referral of toddlers on suspicion of autism spectrum disorder].

Early signs of autism spectrum disorders (ASS) can become apparent at the baby and toddler stage and a diagnosis of ASS can already be made at this age. In practice, however, it often takes many years before children with ASS are diagnosed and as a result these children miss the benefits of early intervention. Reticence in referral and diagnosis seems to arise from personal factors, diagnostic problems and organisational factors. Here we discuss these factors and stress the importance of referral of very young children on suspicion of ASS to paediatric and paediatric psychiatric institutions with expertise in diagnosing and treating young children.