Language Development as a Predictor of Autism Symptom Severity in Children at Elevated Risk for Autism

School Name

Governor's School for Science & Mathematics

Grade Level

12th Grade

Presentation Topic

Psychology and Sociology

Presentation Type

Mentored

Mentor

Mentor: Jane Roberts, University of South Carolina

Abstract

Autism spectrum disorder is a continuum of developmental disorders distinguished by a lack of development or regression of social and communication skills. Language development is the number one cause prompting parents to have their children screened for autism spectrum disorder. Children with autistic siblings are at an elevated risk for developing the disorder themselves. This study sought to answer two questions: do infants at elevated risk for an autism spectrum disorder show delayed language development at 12 months and how does language development at 12 months predict autism spectrum disorder symptom severity at 24 months? To assess this, siblings of children with an autism spectrum disorder took the Mullen Scales of Early Learning at 12 months. This was then compared with their results on the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule at 24 months. It was determined that infants at elevated risk do not show delayed language development. In addition, no correlation was discovered between language development and ADOS score at 24 months. However, this research reaffirms the belief in a genetic component to autism spectrum disorder.

Start Date

3-25-2017 11:59 PM

Presentation Format

Written Only

Group Project

No

COinS
 
Mar 25th, 11:59 PM

Language Development as a Predictor of Autism Symptom Severity in Children at Elevated Risk for Autism

Autism spectrum disorder is a continuum of developmental disorders distinguished by a lack of development or regression of social and communication skills. Language development is the number one cause prompting parents to have their children screened for autism spectrum disorder. Children with autistic siblings are at an elevated risk for developing the disorder themselves. This study sought to answer two questions: do infants at elevated risk for an autism spectrum disorder show delayed language development at 12 months and how does language development at 12 months predict autism spectrum disorder symptom severity at 24 months? To assess this, siblings of children with an autism spectrum disorder took the Mullen Scales of Early Learning at 12 months. This was then compared with their results on the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule at 24 months. It was determined that infants at elevated risk do not show delayed language development. In addition, no correlation was discovered between language development and ADOS score at 24 months. However, this research reaffirms the belief in a genetic component to autism spectrum disorder.