Mandatory Autism Testing for Babies

Mr Kwek Hian Chuan Henry asked the Minister for Social and Family Development whether there are plans to do mandatory testing for autism for babies from 18 months to 24 months old so that early intervention can be arranged to mitigate or reverse the condition.

Developmental paediatricians recommend that two to three years old is an optimal age range to diagnose moderate and severe forms of autism, as the symptoms may not be evident in children below that age. Milder cases of autism may not be diagnosed till the child is older.

The Ministry of Health issues every child born in Singapore with a Health Booklet that records their immunisation history and developmental screening progress. The Health Booklet includes developmental screening checklists at four to eight weeks, three to five months, six to 12 months, 15-18 months, two to three years and four to six years. Red flags for developmental conditions, including autism, are incorporated in the screening checklists.

Parents and caregivers would most likely be the first to realise if the child has developmental issues and can use the developmental milestones in the Health Booklet as reference points to guide them. In addition, when healthcare professionals, such as doctors and nurses in the polyclinics, paediatricians and general practitioners, detect delays in the child's development during screenings and medical check-ups, they can refer the children to the Child Development Programme in the KK Women's and Children's Hospital (KKH) and National University Hospital (NUH) for diagnosis of developmental concerns. Parents who suspect that their children might be facing developmental delays can take their children to the nearest polyclinic or the Department of Child Development at KKH or NUH for assessment.

Children who have been diagnosed with moderate to severe autism will be referred to the Early Intervention Programme for Infants and Children for early intervention services.