The Effects of Early Language on Age at Diagnosis and Functioning at School Age in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Overview

Journal J Autism Dev Disord

Publisher Springer

Date 2017 Apr 28

PMID 28447306

Citations 6

Authors

Anthony Goodwin

Nicole L Matthews

Christopher J Smith

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Research suggests that toddlers with no language delay (NLD) should have better outcomes than those with language delay (LD). However, the predictive utility of language milestones relative to co-varying factors such as age at diagnosis, IQ, and ASD symptomatology is unclear. This study compared school-aged children with ASD and NLD (n = 59) to a well-matched group with ASD and LD (n = 59). The LD group was diagnosed at younger ages and their historical ASD symptoms were more severe than the NLD group. The groups were similar in current ASD symptoms and adaptive functioning at school age. Language milestones were correlated with adaptive functioning, but IQ and social symptoms of ASD were stronger predictors of functioning at school age. Therefore, language milestones may not be the best indicators of prognosis for children who are diagnosed after toddlerhood.

Citing Articles

Autistic clinical profiles, age at first concern, and diagnosis among children with autism spectrum disorder.

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The 'lost generation' in adult psychiatry: psychiatric, neurodevelopmental and sociodemographic characteristics of psychiatric patients with autism unrecognised in childhood.

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The Importance of Language Delays as an Early Indicator of Subsequent ASD Diagnosis in Public Healthcare Settings.

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Predictive language processing in young autistic children.

Prescott K, Mathee-Scott J, Reuter T, Edwards J, Saffran J, Weismer S Autism Res. 2022; 15(5):892-903.

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Predictors of an earlier diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder in children and adolescents: a systematic review (1987-2017).

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