Abstract
This study compared behavioral presentation of toddlers with autistic spectrum disorders (ASD) and toddlers with global developmental delay (DD) or developmental language disorder (DLD) who display some characteristics of ASD using the diagnostic algorithm items from the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Generic (ADOS), the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS), and Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT). To date, 195 children have failed the M-CHAT and have been diagnosed with ASD, DD or DLD. Children with ASD had prominent and consistent impairments in socialization skills, especially joint attention skills and were more impaired in some aspects of communication, play, and sensory processing. Children with ASD and children with DD/DLD shared common features, but certain behavioral markers differentiated the two groups.
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Notes
Due to changes in the protocol and missing data, the sample sizes for the individual measures are different. Differences are noted when applicable in the methods and results sections.
References
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Acknowledgements
This research was supported by the University of Connecticut's Research Foundation Faculty Grant, National Alliance of Autism Research, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (5 R01 HD039961), Maternal and Child Health Bureau (R40 MC 00270). We are very grateful to the children and families who participated in this research, as well as the doctors and early intervention sites that screened the children. We would also like to acknowledge the invaluable assistance of the undergraduate research assistants.
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Ventola, P., Kleinman, J., Pandey, J. et al. Differentiating between Autism Spectrum Disorders and Other Developmental Disabilities in Children Who Failed a Screening Instrument for ASD. J Autism Dev Disord 37, 425–436 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-006-0177-z
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-006-0177-z