Distinguishing features of autism in boys with fragile X syndrome
1FPG Child Development Institute, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA. matthew.brock@unc.edu
Background:
Males with fragile X syndrome and autism (FXS/autism) represent a distinct subgroup of males with FXS at risk for markedly poorer outcomes. Early identification and intervention can improve outcomes for males with autism spectrum disorder.
Method:
To advance the development of a specialised autism screening tool for young males with FXS that could assist in early identification, backward regression was used to identify the combination of parent-report questionnaire items that best predicted autism symptoms in a sample of 60 males with FXS, ages 4-18 years old.
Results:
Both social and repetitive behaviours distinguished males with FXS/autism, with repetitive behaviours playing a more prominent role than previously documented in the literature.
Conclusions:
Healthcare workers and early interventionists may be able to interview parents about a few key behaviours to determine if young child with FXS should be formally evaluated for autism. Evidence-based practices identified for children with autism spectrum disorder can be implemented as early as possible.
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