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Updated: May 23, 2026

Eye Tracking Young Children with Autism
Published on: March 27, 2012
Six developmental trajectories characterize children with autism.
Christine Fountain1, Alix S Winter, Peter S Bearman
1Paul F. Lazarsfeld Center for the Social Sciences, Columbia University, New York, New York 10027, USA.
Children with autism exhibit diverse developmental paths, with some showing significant improvement over time. Socioeconomic factors influence these autism trajectories, highlighting the need for further research into driving factors.
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Area of Science:
- Developmental psychology
- Neurodevelopmental disorders
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) research
Background:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is characterized by social and communication challenges.
- Understanding the long-term developmental trajectories in ASD is crucial for intervention and support.
- Previous research has indicated variability in outcomes for children with ASD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe typical longitudinal developmental trajectories of social and communication functioning in children with ASD.
- To identify factors correlating with these developmental pathways.
Main Methods:
- Latent trajectory modeling was used to identify patterns in social, communication, and repetitive behavior functioning.
- Data from 6975 children with ASD (aged 2-14) enrolled in California's developmental services were analyzed.
- Multinomial logistic regression examined individual and family factors associated with trajectory membership.
Main Results:
- Six distinct developmental trajectories were identified, showing significant heterogeneity.
- Children with less severe initial symptoms generally improved more rapidly.
- Approximately 10% of children experienced rapid gains from severe to high functioning.
- Socioeconomic status, including maternal education and race, correlated with outcomes; minority children and those with intellectual disabilities were less likely to show rapid gains.
Conclusions:
- Developmental pathways for children with autism are highly heterogeneous.
- A subset of children with autism demonstrates substantial developmental progress over time.
- Identifying the drivers of these varied outcomes is essential for improving support and interventions.