A nationwide autism screening project was launched by the Education Ministry and the Health Ministry at the Żebbuġ primary school yesterday.
Autism is a condition that influences children’s communication, activities and interests. The programme, called ‘Lenti fuq l-iżvilupp ta’ uliedna’ (Focus on our children’s development) is offered to children as young as 18 months.
Screenings will be conducted through a questionnaire hosted on the M-Chat platform. The survey consists of 20 questions and will be carried out during an informal meeting between parents and a member of the screening team.
The data collected will determine if the child needs further assessment, referrals, follow-up or other programmes. Parents will then be informed of the screening team to guide them forward.
The programme is the result of a pilot project which saw 1,500 babies being screened for autism, 200 of whom required a follow-up meeting with professionals.
A diagnosis should not be a death sentence
The pilot project, launched in January, was done with 16 health clinics across the country, and the response – gauged through a survey – was positive, with 97 per cent of respondents giving it the thumbs up.
Early childhood screening is recommended, since the first 1,000 days after a child is born are often highly indicative of their mental and physical development.
Evidence shows that early intervention is critical in a child’s life, since development during this period is incredibly rapid.
Health Minister Chris Fearne and Education Minister Evarist Bartolo were both present at the official launch.
The two ministries worked closely on the project in an attempt to encourage parents to follow up doctors’ appointments, Mr Bartolo said.
A diagnosis should not be a death sentence, Mr Bartolo said, urging school communities to encourage the inclusion of students with mental health or behavioural issues.
Schools need to adopt facilities that adapt to students with behavioural difficulties, he added.
Mr Fearne said his previous experience as a paediatrician had exposed him to the realities of families with autistic children.
The ministry will continue to support these families, he said.
Last week, it was announced that autism would be considered eligible for invalidity pension after a proper tool for its assessment is established.
Addressing Parliament, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat said the government is considering introducing new gauging tools for several disabilities, including autism.