Faculty Collaboration Database

Diagnosing Autism Spectrum Disorder in Children with Low Mental Age. J Autism Dev Disord 2019 Mar;49(3):1080-1095

Date

11/09/2018

Pubmed ID

30406437

Pubmed Central ID

PMC6404230

DOI

10.1007/s10803-018-3810-8

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-85056257891 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   23 Citations

Abstract

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnostic tools are not designed for mental ages (MA) below 12 months. Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) and Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) were examined in 2-year-olds with ASD-low MA (n = 53), Global Developmental Delay (GDD; n = 175), and ASD-higher MA (n = 425). ADOS and CARS demonstrated similar agreement with clinical diagnosis, but ADOS over-classified ASD in low MA, whereas CARS both over- and under-classified. All ADOS items differentiated GDD from ASD. Elementary social behaviors (e.g., eye contact, social interest) were similar across ASD groups, although advanced skills (e.g., pointing, play) were more impaired in ASD-low MA. ASD-low MA, a severe presentation, may require a modified ADOS algorithm to account for developmental delays.

Author List

Miller LE, Burke JD, Robins DL, Fein DA

Author

Lauren E. Miller PhD Assistant Professor in the Neurology department at Medical College of Wisconsin

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Age Factors
Algorithms
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Child, Preschool
Developmental Disabilities
Diagnosis, Differential
Female
Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Infant
Intelligence
Male
Social Behavior