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Updated: May 23, 2026

Eye Tracking Young Children with Autism
09:03

Eye Tracking Young Children with Autism

Published on: March 27, 2012

Patterns of developmental trajectories in toddlers with autism spectrum disorder

Catherine Lord1, Rhiannon Luyster, Whitney Guthrie

  • 1Center for Autism and the Developing Brain and Department of Psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York Presbyterian Hospital, White Plains, NY 10605, USA. cal2028@med.cornell.edu

Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology
|April 18, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Early autism spectrum disorder (ASD) identification is crucial. This study tracked toddlers, revealing varied developmental trajectories and confirming the need for ongoing monitoring and standardized assessments in at-risk children.

Area of Science:

  • Developmental psychology
  • Pediatric neurology
  • Autism spectrum disorder research

Background:

  • Early identification of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is critical for intervention.
  • Understanding developmental trajectories in toddlers at risk for ASD is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To longitudinally track toddlers referred for autism risk.
  • To utilize frequent, standardized observational measures from 18 to 36 months of age.

Main Methods:

  • Sixty-five referred children and 13 from other projects were assessed every 2 months.
  • Standardized assessments and clinical judgments were performed by a consistent examiner.
  • Examiners blind to previous scores conducted assessments every 6 months.

Main Results:

  • 48 children received an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis; 30 did not.
  • Four trajectory classes were identified using Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) scores: severe persistent (21%), worsening (21%), improving (19%), and nonspectrum (40%).
  • Trajectory classes differed in verbal and nonverbal mental ages; diagnostic groups differed on Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R) scores.

Conclusions:

  • Findings align with studies on infant siblings of children with and without autism.
  • Results highlight significant variability in early developmental trajectories for children at risk of ASD.
  • Early identification, regular monitoring, and standardized assessments are vital for young children suspected of having ASD.
Abstract

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