Early intervention in infancy reduces by two-thirds, according to a new study. As such, in a first-of-its-kind study, researchers believe that with taking steps to intervene with therapy at the first possible during infancy, many children who would have been found to be on the spectrum as they age may no longer meet the criteria.

Researchers from the University of Manchester found that while a clinical diagnosis is not generally made for autism in children until they reach the age of two, signs that the condition exists may present much earlier, according to . As such, instead of using a wait-and-see method as to whether autism is truly the culprit behind speech delays and the like, intervening at first signs of autism can reduce "long-term disability," according to researchers.

The study, which was published in the journal, , found that when received the pre-emptive (iBASIS-VIPP) versus the normal course of treatment for autism, a marked difference was seen in the social development of the children. What this means is that instead of trying to counteract the behaviors being displayed by infants and toddlers, by working with each child's "unique differences," they were able to support development that lasted throughout childhood, according to .

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According to the , there are many different signs that a child may have a form of autism. It could be anything from not responding to their name, wanting to be alone, delayed speech, dislikes physical contact, does not make eye contact, and a whole host more.

at nine months, 18 months, and again at 24 months of age to determine if any classic signs of the condition are present, per the publication. This is because the sooner the signs are realized, the sooner therapies can begin to help children navigate how they perceive the world.

To determine that iBASIS-VIPP was successful, researchers enrolled 103 babies from the ages of nine months to 14 months old in the clinical trial. All of the babies, according to Medical Xpress showed signs of having autism after an initial assessment.

According to the , half of the babies received traditional therapies while the other half received iBASIS-VIPP over five months.

When the babies were two to three years old, a second assessment was made and the results were staggering. Of the babies who received iBASIS-VIPP, the study found that three of the 45 participants were diagnosed as having autism. In contrast, nine out of 45 babies who received traditional therapy were diagnosed with autism.

While this is exciting news, there is still more research to be done.

According to Science Alert, because the babies were only followed until the age of two to three, there is no knowing if others in the study potentially developed autism at an older age. The children could also have developed other symptoms of autism that they would need therapy for that were not seen at the time of the study.

It is also very possible that while an autism diagnosis was no longer given to children who went through iBASIS-VIPP therapy that support and help of some degree may still be necessary as the children age.

By providing children with therapy at the first signs of autism can mean providing the foundation to be able to live life more independently. And because the iBASIS-VIPP therapy's goal is to work with the children where they are at versus trying to provide a one-size-fits-all therapy for autism, the results are pointing in a positive direction that this just may be the future of autism treatment.

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