Liam Twomey (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 269: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if her Department has any plans to introduce a screening protocol of infants, post delivery, which aims to identify infants who carry perinatal risk factors for the later development of autism; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39371/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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Autism is a common developmental disorder but can be difficult to diagnose in young children. Autism is a spectrum of disorders characterised by deficits in social skills, communication and behaviour. Developmental surveillance is ongoing from infancy through school age or at any age if concerns are raised. A number of developmental screening tools are available to this end. Children failing routine developmental surveillance procedures are referred to medical staff for more detailed examination.

There is insufficient evidence to support this type of screening on a population level, however, screening requirements for autism and other conditions will be kept under review by my Department.