Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 24, 2026
09:13
Testing Sensory and Multisensory Function in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Published on: April 22, 2015
Regression in children with autism spectrum disorders
Prahbhjot Malhi1, Pratibha Singhi
1Department of Pediatrics, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India. pmalhi18@hotmail.com
Indian Journal of Pediatrics
|February 22, 2012
Summary
Developmental regression in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) primarily affects language skills, often appearing between 12-24 months. While not altering the overall ASD profile, regression can be an early indicator in affected children.
Area of Science:
- Child Psychology
- Developmental Neuroscience
- Pediatric Neurology
Background:
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition.
- Developmental regression, a loss of previously acquired skills, is reported in some children with ASD.
- Understanding the characteristics and implications of regression in ASD is crucial for early intervention and support.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize autistic regression in young children.
- To compare the clinical and developmental profiles of children with ASD who exhibit regression versus those who do not.
- To identify potential early markers for regression in ASD.
Main Methods:
- A comparative study involving 70 children with ASD, divided into two groups: 35 with reported developmental regression before age 3 and 35 age- and IQ-matched controls without reported regression.
- Participants were recruited from a tertiary care hospital in North India.
- Multi-disciplinary evaluations, including neurological, diagnostic, cognitive, and behavioral assessments, were conducted. Parent interviews detailed the regression's onset, type, and associated events. The Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) assessed symptom severity.
Main Results:
- The mean age of regression onset was 22.43 months, with the majority (66.7%) occurring between 12 and 24 months.
- Language regression, particularly expressive language, was reported by 75% of parents, typically between 18-24 months.
- Regression also affected social skills (75%) and cognition (31.25%), often presenting subtly (75% of cases).
- No significant differences were found in motor, social, self-help, or communication functioning (DP II) between the groups.
- While overall CARS scores and DSM-IV symptoms did not differ, regressed children showed significantly more social deficits (t=2.36, P=0.021).
Conclusions:
- Autism with regression does not present a distinct developmental or symptom profile compared to autism without regression.
- Developmental regression can serve as an early and reliable indicator in a substantial proportion of children diagnosed with ASD.
- Further research is warranted to explore the underlying mechanisms and long-term implications of regression in ASD.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition marked by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction alongside restrictive and repetitive behaviors or interests. ASD is sometimes accompanied by intellectual impairment.
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
01:26Modeling in Therapy
Modeling, a key technique in therapy, uses observational learning to help clients acquire and practice new skills by watching therapists demonstrate desired behaviors. This approach, rooted in Albert Bandura's concept of vicarious learning, plays a significant role in therapeutic interventions for various psychological conditions, including social anxiety, ADHD, and depression.
Participant Modeling
Participant modeling involves therapists demonstrating calm and effective behaviors in situations...
Participant Modeling
Participant modeling involves therapists demonstrating calm and effective behaviors in situations...
01:52Regression Toward the Mean
Regression toward the mean (“RTM”) is a phenomenon in which extremely high or low values—for example, and individual’s blood pressure at a particular moment—appear closer to a group’s average upon remeasuring. Although this statistical peculiarity is the result of random error and chance, it has been problematic across various medical, scientific, financial and psychological applications. In particular, RTM, if not taken into account, can interfere when researchers try to extrapolate results...
01:30Oppositional Defiant Disorder
A persistent pattern of angry or irritable mood, defiant behavior, or vindictiveness characterizes Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD). Symptoms must occur over at least six months, involve interactions with individuals beyond siblings, and meet specific diagnostic criteria to be clinically significant. The disorder affects emotional regulation, social interactions, and behavior, often manifesting early in life and influencing long-term development and functioning.
Diagnostic Criteria and...
Diagnostic Criteria and...
01:24Operant Conditioning Intervention
Operant conditioning serves as a foundational principle in therapeutic interventions aimed at modifying maladaptive behaviors. Central to this approach is the notion that behaviors, both adaptive and maladaptive, are learned through reinforcement. By analyzing the environmental factors that reinforce problematic behaviors, clinicians can design interventions to weaken these reinforcements and replace maladaptive behaviors with healthier alternatives.
In operant conditioning, behaviors that are...
In operant conditioning, behaviors that are...
01:28Conduct Disorder
Conduct disorder is a complex mental health diagnosis characterized by a repetitive and persistent pattern of behavior that violates societal norms, the rights of others, or age-appropriate rules. The diagnostic criteria for conduct disorder require the presence of at least three problematic behaviors within the past 12 months, with at least one occurring in the past six months. These behaviors are grouped into four categories: aggression toward people and animals; destruction of property;...