Dr. Tom Lacy, right, examines a 2-year-old. The American Academy of Pediatrics is releasing new guidance on autism and developmental surveillance. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel/TNS)

The American Academy of Pediatrics issued their first report in 12 years with recommendations for pediatricians regarding autism in young children. The guidance includes suggestions on conducting developmental and behavioral surveillance, developmental screenings and autism-specific screenings. It also makes clear that autism can be diagnosed before age two.