一項小型研究發現，培訓家長如何對出現自閉癥早期癥狀的嬰兒作出反應，可以將三歲兒童中被確診患有自閉癥的數量減少三分之二。

The first two years of a baby’s life are critical for brain development. In this study, parents were given video-based tips on how best to interact with their babies according to their particular needs.

嬰兒出生后的頭兩年對其大腦發育至關重要。在這項研究中，家長們得到了視頻提示，告訴他們如何根據嬰兒的特殊需要，以最適當的方式與孩子互動。

By the age of three, the baby still had some developmental difficulties, but their social skills had improved, and two thirds fewer met the criteria for a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder, compared to babies who received standard care.

到三歲時，嬰兒仍有一些發育困難，但社交技能已有所提升，與接受了普通標準護理的嬰兒相比，符合自閉癥譜系障礙標準的嬰兒數量減少了三分之二。

The research charity Autistica said the study was promising and people should not have to wait for a diagnosis for support to be provided. But the National Autistic Society said autism was not a disease that should be cured or lessened.

慈善研究機構 Autistica 表示，這項研究大有前景，人們不應只能在等到確診后才有機會獲得幫助。但英國國家自閉癥協會指出，自閉癥并非一種需要被治愈或緩解的疾病。

The research team says longer term studies on more babies using the technique are now needed.

這支研究團隊認為，現在需要進行更長期的研究，觀察更多接受該護理方法的嬰兒。

詞匯表

critical 至關重要
brain development 大腦發育
social skills 社交技能
diagnosis 診斷
autism spectrum disorder 自閉癥譜系障礙
cured 被治愈
lessened 減輕，緩解

閱讀理解：請在讀完上文后，回答下列問題。

1. How were parents given advice on how to interact with their babies?

2. What had improved in the babies by the time they were three years old?

3. True or false? The charity Austica says autistic babies should get support once a diagnosis is given.

4. According to the report, what part of a baby’s life is critical for brain development?

答案  

1. How were parents given advice on how to interact with their babies?
Parents were given video-based tips on how best to interact with their babies according to their particular needs.

2. What had improved in the babies by the time they were three years old?
By the age of three, their social skills had improved.

3. True or false? The charity Austica says autistic babies should get support once a diagnosis is given.
False. The research charity Autistica said people should not have to wait for a diagnosis for support to be provided.

4. According to the report, what part of a baby’s life is critical for brain development?
The first two years of a baby’s life are critical for brain development.