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Portable Intermodal Preferential Looking (IPL): Investigating Language Comprehension in Typically Developing Toddlers and Young Children with Autism
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Portable Intermodal Preferential Looking (IPL): Investigating Language Comprehension in Typically Developing Toddlers and Young Children with Autism

Published on: December 14, 2012

Developmental trajectories in siblings of children with autism: cognition and language from 4 months to 7 years

Ifat Gamliel1, Nurit Yirmiya, Dena H Jaffe

  • 1School of Education, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel.

Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
|March 28, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Siblings of children with autism (SIBS-A) show delayed language development compared to siblings of typically developing children (SIBS-TD). Language difficulties were more prevalent in SIBS-A by age 7, indicating a critical developmental area.

Area of Science:

  • Developmental Psychology
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder Research
  • Childhood Language Development

Background:

  • Understanding developmental trajectories in siblings of children with autism is crucial for early identification and intervention.
  • Previous research highlights potential risks for developmental delays in this population.
  • Identifying specific areas of vulnerability, such as language, can inform targeted support strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare cognitive and language development between siblings of children with autism (SIBS-A) and siblings of typically developing children (SIBS-TD).
  • To identify specific developmental delays and their timing in SIBS-A.
  • To investigate the prevalence of a broad phenotype (BP) encompassing cognitive, language, and academic difficulties in SIBS-A.

Main Methods:

  • Longitudinal study comparing SIBS-A and SIBS-TD across multiple developmental points (4, 14, 24, 36, 54 months, and 7 years).
  • Utilized growth curve analyses to model developmental trajectories.
  • Employed direct testing and parental reports to assess cognitive, language, and academic outcomes.

Main Results:

  • At 7 years, 40% of SIBS-A exhibited cognitive, language, and/or academic difficulties (SIBS-A-BP), compared to 16% of SIBS-TD.
  • Early language scores (14-54 months) were significantly lower in SIBS-A-BP and SIBS-A-nonBP compared to SIBS-TD.
  • The rate of language development differed significantly between groups, highlighting preschool language as a key challenge for SIBS-A.

Conclusions:

  • Language development is a significant area of concern for siblings of children with autism, with delays evident from early preschool years.
  • A substantial proportion of SIBS-A present with a broad phenotype of developmental difficulties by age 7.
  • Early language monitoring and intervention are recommended for siblings of children with autism to address developmental disparities.

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