Abstract
Emotional and behavioral problems (EBPs), such as anxiety, overactivity, and aggression, can influence the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The gold standard diagnostic tool for ASD, the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule—Second Edition, includes three items (“E-codes”) for EBPs that are frequently associated with ASD. Few empirical investigations have explored the use of E-codes. This study examined the relationship between E-codes and child characteristics (e.g., cognitive abilities, ASD symptom severity) in a sample of young children with ASD (N = 233). Findings indicated that E-codes positively correlated with ASD symptom severity and negatively associated with IQ. Symptom severity also significantly accounted for the variance in EBPs. Implications for ASD assessment as well as future research are discussed.
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Acknowledgments
This project was based on a longitudinal study funded by the Institute of Education Sciences (R324A110086; J Blacher, P.I.). Support was also provided by the SEARCH Family Autism Resource Center in the Graduate School of Education, University of California, Riverside. We are indebted to colleagues and students who contributed to this research, and especially to the children, parents, and teachers who participated in this study.
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MLG designed the original study conceptualization, coordinated the writing process, and had overall writing responsibilities. MH focused on assessments, analyses, and overall writing. YB conducted analyses and writing of methods and results. KS assisted with writing and manuscript review, with a focus on the discussion section. JB, as the PI of the original study, assisted in conceptualization and editing. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.
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Galligan, M.L., Heyman, M., Bolourian, Y. et al. Brief Report: Emotional and Behavioral Problems Among Young Children with ASD: An Exploratory Study of ADOS E-Codes and Child Characteristics. J Autism Dev Disord 52, 4597–4604 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-021-05313-0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-021-05313-0