Abstract
This study examined the relationship between onset status and current functioning using a recently proposed onset classification system in 272 young children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Participants were classified into one of the following groups, based on parent report using the Autism Diagnostic Interview—Revised: Early Onset (symptoms by 12 months, no loss), Delay + Regression (symptoms by 12 months plus loss), Plateau (no early symptoms or loss), and Regression (no early symptoms, followed by loss). Findings indicate that current functioning does not differ according to onset pattern, calling into question the use of onset categorizations for prognostic purposes in children with ASD.
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Notes
Fell within one point on ADI-R social and communication domains, or met ADI-R autism cutoff on one domain and fell within two points on the other.
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Acknowledgments
This research was supported by the Intramural Program of the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), National Institutes of Health (NIH), NIH Grants MH 07-080, 1R01MH089626, and by the M.I.N.D. Institute. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of the NIMH, NIH, HHS, or the United States Government. The authors thank Drs. David Black, Christine Golden Williams, Lisa Joseph, and David Luckenbaugh for their helpful assistance and suggestions throughout this project. In addition, we extend our gratitude to the children and their families who volunteered their time and efforts during these research protocols.
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Shumway, S., Thurm, A., Swedo, S.E. et al. Brief Report: Symptom Onset Patterns and Functional Outcomes in Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. J Autism Dev Disord 41, 1727–1732 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-011-1203-3
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-011-1203-3