When Sarah Wiseman was 10 months old, her mother first noticed something was wrong. 

"She wasn't responding to her name and the words weren't coming in," said Nancy Wiseman, Sarah's mother.

Later, came the repetitive motions.  They were signs of autism which doctors diagnosed in Sarah at 29 months. 

"As devastating as it was, at least it was a hook I could hang my hat on, it was a diagnosis I could research and understand," Nancy said.
 
Researchers say as many as 1 in every 150 American children has the developmental disorder. The American Academy of Pediatrics is pushing for all children to be screened for autism twice by age two. 

The group has released new screening recommendations, tells doctors to look for lack of back and forth babbling, not turning when parent say a baby's name, smiling late and failure to make eye contact. 

"Having a roadmap on what to do and when to do it would make it easier for pediatricians to diagnose autism at an early age," said Pediatrician Dr. Mark Groshek. 

Early diagnosis can't cure autism, but it can make profound difference. After a decade of therapy, Nancy Wiseman says her daughter is like any other  preteen girl. 

"At the age of two, she had no language, whereas now, at 11 and a half, she never stops talking," Nancy said. 

Not all children who show some of the symptoms are in fact autistic.  But, doctors say children who are suspected to be austistic need early intervention and treatment