Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Social and language regression: characteristics of children with autism spectrum disorder in a community-based sample

  • ORIGINAL ARTICLE
  • Published:
Journal of Developmental and Physical Disabilities Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

This study investigated the prevalence, and the developmental, behavior and emotional outcomes of 675 preschoolers with ASD with or without a history of regression, who participated in the Study to Explore Early Development (SEED). The SEED project is a cross-sectional case-control study that collected data between 2007 and 2011. Children’s history of regression, adaptive skills, and behavior problems were assessed using the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R), the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales-Second Edition (Vineland-2), and the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), respectively; and children’s developmental levels were assessed using the Mullen Scales of Learning (MSEL). Findings from this study indicated that 26% of children experienced social and language regression, and of those with regression, 76% had regained lost skills upon completion of the study. Compared to children without a history of regression, children with social regression demonstrated increased internalizing problems and decreased fine motor skills, and children with language regression demonstrated poorer language skills. Also, children with language and social regression displayed poorer adaptive communication skills than children without regression. Children who experienced regression in one area of development demonstrated better outcomes than those who experience regression in multiple areas. To conclude, children with regression are at risk for poorer outcomes during their preschool years.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Achenbach, T. M., & Rescorla, L. A. (2000). Manual for the ASEBA preschool forms and profiles (30 vol.). University of Vermont, Research center for children, youth, & families.

  • American Psychiatric Association (2013). Diagnostic and statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th Edition.). Author.

  • Baird, G., Charman, T., Pickles, A., Chandler, S., Loucas, T., Meldrum, D., & Simonoff, E. (2008). Regression, developmental trajectory and associated problems in disorders in the autism spectrum: The SNAP study. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 38(10), 1827–1836.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Barger, B. D., Campbell, J. M., & McDonough, J. D. (2013). Prevalence and onset of regression within autism spectrum disorders: A meta-analytic review. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 43(4), 817–828.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bernabei, P., Cerquiglini, A., Cortesi, F., & D’ardia, C. (2007). Regression versus no regression in the autistic disorder: Developmental trajectories. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 37(3), 580–588.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Boterberg, S., Van Coster, R., & Roeyers, H. (2019). Characteristics, Early Development and Outcome of parent-reported regression in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 49(11), 4603–4625.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Goldberg, W. A., Osann, K., Filipek, P. A., Laulhere, T., Jarvis, K., Modahl, C., Flodman, P., & Spence, M. A. (2003). Language and other regression: Assessment and timing. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 33, 607–616.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Goldberg, W. A., Thorsen, K. L., Osann, K., & Spence, M. A. (2008). Use of home videotapes to confirm parental reports of regression in autism. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 38(6), 1136–1146.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Gotham, K., Pickles, A., & Lord, C. (2009). Standardizing ADOS scores for a measure of severity in autism spectrum disorders. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 39(5), 693–705.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hansen, R. L., Ozonoff, S., Krakowiak, P., Angkustsiri, K., Jones, C., Deprey, L. J., & Hertz-Picciotto, I. (2008). Regression in autism: Prevalence and associated factors in the CHARGE study. Ambulatory Pediatrics, 8(1), 25–31.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hartley, S. L., & Sikora, D. M. (2009). Sex differences in autism spectrum disorder: An examination of developmental functioning, autistic symptoms, and coexisting behavior problems in toddlers. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 39(12), 1715.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Hartley, S. L., Sikora, D. M., & McCoy, R. (2008). Prevalence and risk factors of maladaptive behaviour in young children with autistic disorder. Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, 52(10), 819–829.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Le Couter, A., Lord, C., & Rutter, M. (2003). The Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R) Los Angeles. CA: Western Psychological Services.

  • Lord, C., Rutter, M., & Le Couteur, A. (1994). Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised: A revised version of a diagnostic interview for caregivers of individuals with possible pervasive developmental disorders. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 24(5), 659–685.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lord, C., Rutter, M., DiLavore, P., & Risi, S. (1999). Manual: Autism diagnostic observation schedule. Western Psychological Services.

  • Lord, C., Risi, S., Lambrecht, L., Cook, E. H., Leventhal, B. L., DiLavore, P. C., & Rutter, M. (2000). The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule—Generic: A standard measure of social and communication deficits associated with the spectrum of autism. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 30(3), 205–223.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lord, C., Shulman, C., & DiLavore, P. (2004). Regression and word loss in autistic spectrum disorders. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 45(5), 936–955.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Luyster, R., Richler, J., Risi, S., Hsu, W. L., Dawson, G., Bernier, R., & Goudie-Nice, J. (2005). Early regression in social communication in autism spectrum disorders: A CPEA Study. Developmental Neuropsychology, 27(3), 311–336.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Maenner, M. J., Shaw, K. A., Bakian, A. V. Prevalence and Characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorder Among Children Aged 8 Years — Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network, 11 Sites, United States, 2018. MMWR Surveill Summ 2021;70(No. SS-11):1–16. https://doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.ss7011a1external.

  • Maestro, S., Muratori, F., Cesari, A., Cavallaro, M. C., Paziente, A., Pecini, C., & Sommario, C. (2005). Course of autism signs in the first year of life. Psychopathology, 38(1), 26–31.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Mullen, E. M. (1995). Mullen Scales of early learning (pp. 58–64). AGS.

  • Osterling, J. A., Dawson, G., & Munson, J. A. (2002). Early recognition of 1-year-old infants with autism spectrum disorder versus mental retardation. Development and Psychopathology, 14(2), 239–251.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ozonoff, S., Williams, B. J., & Landa, R. (2005). Parental report of the early development of children with regressive autism: The delays-plus-regression phenotype. Autism, 9(5), 461–486.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Palomo, R., Belinchón, M., & Ozonoff, S. (2006). Autism and family home movies: A comprehensive review. Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics, 27(2), S59–S68.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pandolfi, V., Magyar, C. I., & Dill, C. A. (2009). Confirmatory factor analysis of the child Behavior Checklist 1.5–5 in a sample of children with autism spectrum disorders. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 39(7), 986–995.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Parr, J. R., Le Couteur, A., Baird, G., Rutter, M., Pickles, A., Fombonne, E., & International Molecular Genetic Study of Autism Consortium. (2011). Early developmental regression in autism spectrum disorder: Evidence from an international multiplex sample. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 41(3), 332–340.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Pickles, A., Wright, N., Bedford, R., Steiman, M., Duku, E., Bennett, T., & Pathways in ASD Study Team. (2022). Predictors of language regression and its association with subsequent communication development in children with autism. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpp.13565.

  • Richler, J., Luyster, R., Risi, S., Hsu, W. L., Dawson, G., Bernier, R., & Goudie-Nice, J. (2006). Is there a ‘regressive phenotype’ of autism spectrum disorder associated with the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine? A CPEA study. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 36(3), 299–316.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Rogers, S. J. (2004). Developmental regression in autism spectrum disorders. Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities Research Reviews, 10(2), 139–143.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Rutter, M., Le Couteur, A., & Lord, C. (2003). Autism diagnostic interview-revised. Los Angeles, CA: Western Psychological Services, 29(2003), 30.

  • Schendel, D. E., DiGuiseppi, C., Croen, L. A., Fallin, M. D., Reed, P. L., Schieve, L. A., & Miller, L. (2012). The study to explore Early Development (SEED): A multisite epidemiologic study of autism by the Centers for Autism and Developmental Disabilities Research and Epidemiology (CADDRE) network. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 42(10), 2121–2140.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Shinnar, S., Rapin, I., Arnold, S., Tuchman, R. F., Shulman, L., Ballaban-Gil, K., & Volkmar, F. R. (2001). Language regression in childhood. Pediatric Neurology, 24(3), 185–191.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Siperstein, R., & Volkmar, F. (2004). Brief report: Parental reporting of regression in children with pervasive developmental disorders. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 34(6), 731–734.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Sparrow, S. S., Cicchetti, D. V., Balla, D. A., & Doll, E. A. (2005). Vineland adaptive behavior scales: Survey forms manual. American Guidance Service.

  • Stefanatos, G. A. (2008). Regression in autistic spectrum disorders. Neuropsychology Review, 18(4), 305–319.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Taylor, B., Miller, E., Lingam, R., Andrews, N., Simmons, A., & Stowe, J. (2002). Measles, mumps, and rubella vaccination and bowel problems or developmental regression in children with autism: Population study. British Medical Journal, 324(7334), 393–396.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Tseng, M. H., Fu, C. P., Cermak, S. A., Lu, L., & Shieh, J. Y. (2011). Emotional and behavioral problems in preschool children with autism: Relationship with sensory processing dysfunction. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 5(4), 1441–1450.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Vallencourt, T., Haltigan, J. D., Smith, I., Zwaigenbaum, L., Szatmari, P., Fombonne, E., & Bennett, T. (2017). Joint trajectories of internalizing and externalizing problems in preschool children with autism spectrum disorder. Development and Psychopathology, 29(1), 203–214.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Werner, E., & Dawson, G. (2005). Validation of the phenomenon of autistic regression using home videotapes. Archives of General Psychiatry, 62(8), 889–895.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Wiggins, L. D., Rice, C. E., & Baio, J. (2009). Developmental regression in children with an autism spectrum disorder identified by a population-based surveillance system. Autism, 13(4), 357–374.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Wiggins, L. D., Levy, S. E., Daniels, J., Schieve, L., Croen, L. A., DiGuiseppi, C., & Reynolds, A. (2015). Autism spectrum disorder symptoms among children enrolled in the study to explore Early Development (SEED). Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 45(10), 3183–3194.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Yirmiya, N., & Charman, T. (2010). The prodrome of autism: Early behavioral and biological signs, regression, peri- and post‐natal development and genetics. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 51(4), 432–458.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Medicine, University of Colorado-Anschutz Medical Campus, 13121 E. 17th Ave, 80045, Aurora, CO, USA

    Nuri Reyes, Cordelia Rosenberg, Judith Reaven & Ann M. Reynolds

  2. National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA

    Gnakub Norbert Soke, Lisa Wiggins & Laura Schieve

  3. Center for Leadership in Disability, School of Public Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA

    Brian Barger

  4. Institute for Disabilities, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, USA

    Eric Moody

  5. Departments of Human Development & Family Studies, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA

    Susan Hepburn

Authors
  1. Nuri Reyes
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Gnakub Norbert Soke
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Lisa Wiggins
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Brian Barger
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Eric Moody
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Cordelia Rosenberg
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  7. Laura Schieve
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  8. Judith Reaven
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  9. Ann M. Reynolds
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  10. Susan Hepburn
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Nuri Reyes.

Ethics declarations

Ethics approval and consent to participate

This study was approved by a university institutional review board.

Informed Consent

Informed consent was obtained for all the recruited participants. Legal representatives (i.e., parents/caregivers) gave consent for child participation.

Competing interests

The authors declared no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and the writing of the article.

Additional information

Publisher’s Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Reyes, N., Soke, G.N., Wiggins, L. et al. Social and language regression: characteristics of children with autism spectrum disorder in a community-based sample. J Dev Phys Disabil (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10882-023-09929-1

Download citation

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10882-023-09929-1

Keywords

Search

Navigation