I dob't think the idea that autism can be regressive is anything new- but I think a few "professionals" could do with reading the last paragraph:
Researchers studying home videotapes of children's first and second
birthday parties have confirmed what a number of parents have been claiming
for years - that some youngsters who are seemingly normal at age 1 regress
and exhibit the characteristic behaviors of autism by the end of their
second year.
In a study published today in the Archives of General Psychiatry,
research done at the University of Washington's Autism Center provides the
first objective evidence for autistic regression. This form of autism is
estimated to account for about 25 percent of all autism cases in the United
States.
The study did not address the cause of autistic regression or the
possible role that childhood vaccines might play in children developing
autism, according to lead author Geraldine Dawson, director of the UW's
Autism Center.
"Once again, this study provides an important lesson that parents are
good reporters on what is happening with their children. It underscores the
importance of professionals to listen to parents," said Dawson. "And it
certainly suggests that in early screening for autism that we need to screen
at 18, 24 and 36 months to find children who develop normally at first, but
then experience a regression."