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Cluster Analysis of Clinical Features of Children Suspected to Have Neurodevelopmental Disorders

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Abstract

Early identification of neurodevelopmental disabilities (NDDs) is critical to a good prognosis. Several factors such as overlapping diagnoses can complicate this process and thus delay access to services. This study sought to identify meaningful clinical profiles, beyond diagnostic labels, in 194 children with NDDs referred to an assessment clinic. Cluster analyses were applied to eight selected behavioral and cognitive variables. Results suggested a cluster structure in which three homogenous groups differed significantly from one another: children who presented either (1) heterogeneous diagnoses and ambiguous profiles, (2) a clinical profile closely aligned to a classic presentation of ASD, and (3) emotional and behavioral challenges. These distinct profiles may have implications for assessment and clinical practices.

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Funding

This study was funded by Grants from the Ministère de la Santé et des Services Sociaux du Québec and the Fondation Marcelle et Jean-Coutu. Additional financial support to Mélina Rivard was provided by the Fonds de Recherche du Québec—Santé (research scholar—junior1) and the Fondation Sandra et Alain Bouchard. The redaction of this manuscript was also support by the fundings of the Institut universitaire de recherche en déficience intellectuelle et trouble du spectre de l'autisme.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Université du Québec à Montréal, C.P. 8888, Succursale Centre-ville, Montreal, QC, H3C 3P8, Canada

    Mélina Rivard, Zakaria Mestari, Diane Morin & Marjorie Morin

  2. D22 Data Consulting, Montreal, Canada

    Patrick Coulombe

  3. The Pennsylvania State University – Berks, Reading, PA, 19610, USA

    Catherine Mello

Authors
  1. Mélina Rivard
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  2. Zakaria Mestari
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  3. Diane Morin
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  4. Patrick Coulombe
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  5. Catherine Mello
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  6. Marjorie Morin
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Contributions

Prof. MR conceptualized, designed the study (all the steps including the data collection instruments, initial analyses) and acquired the funding, insured the supervision of the research team for the data collection, drafted the initial manuscript, and reviewed and revised the manuscript. ZM carried out the analyses and contributed to the initial draft, reviewed and revised the manuscript. Dr DM contributed to conceptualize, design the study and in acquiring the funding, reviewed and revised the manuscript. Dr. CP supervised the analyses and the redaction of the results part. Prof. CM contributed to the design of the data collection instruments, translated the drafted the initial manuscript, reviewed and revised the manuscript. Dre MM supervised the research team and collected data, carried out the initial analyses, and reviewed and revised the manuscript. All authors approved the final manuscript as submitted and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.

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Correspondence to Mélina Rivard.

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Rivard, M., Mestari, Z., Morin, D. et al. Cluster Analysis of Clinical Features of Children Suspected to Have Neurodevelopmental Disorders. J Autism Dev Disord 53, 2409–2420 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-022-05533-y

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