Experts call for autism screening before age 3

CINCINNATI - New research makes it possible to detect signs of autism before a child turns three, but new government statistics show that over half of children with autism are still not diagnosed until after they turn five.

Experts say the delay can be critical, because the sooner the autism is detected, the better chance children have of reaching their full potential.

The chief science officer for "Autism Speaks" says all children should be screened at 18 and 24 months, so they can be diagnosed by age two.