The American Academy of Pediatrics has just released an updated set of practice guidelines for treating children with autism. These guidelines recommend that pediatricians respond promptly to family or clinical concerns about autism by referring children to community services or specialized therapists as soon as signs become apparent. This recommendation is based on consideration of the long waiting lists for diagnostic evaluations, the importance of specialized early intervention, and the common co-occurrence of other developmental issues that can be addressed while waiting for a diagnostic evaluation.