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Factors related to parental age of first concern in toddlers with autism spectrum disorder

Maya Matheis1, Johnny L Matson1, Claire O Burns1

  • 1a Department of Psychology , Louisiana State University , Baton Rouge , LA , USA.

Developmental Neurorehabilitation
|October 8, 2016
PubMed

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Area of Science:

  • Developmental Psychology
  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Clinical Psychology

Background:

  • Early identification of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is crucial for effective intervention.
  • Parental concerns are often the first indicator of developmental differences in toddlers.
  • The age of first concern (AOC) impacts the timing of diagnosis and support.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the average age of first concern (AOC) in toddlers diagnosed with ASD.
  • To identify the most frequent types of parental concerns for ASD.
  • To investigate factors predicting earlier AOC in toddlers with ASD.

Main Methods:

  • Multiple regression analysis was employed to examine predictive influences.
  • Independent variables included type of concern, symptom severity, and medical diagnoses.
  • The study focused on toddlers with autism spectrum disorders.

Main Results:

  • The average AOC was 13.97 months (SD = 7.86).
  • Speech and language concerns were the most common parental worries.
  • Motor concerns were associated with earlier AOC, while communication/speech concerns predicted later AOC.

Conclusions:

  • Concerns directly related to social communication deficits, a hallmark of ASD, were linked to a later AOC.
  • Findings highlight the need for refined screening tools and targeted early interventions.
  • Understanding parental concern types can improve early detection strategies for ASD.
Abstract

Keywords:
Age of first concernautism spectrum disorderearly identificationearly intervention

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