Language profiles in young children with autism spectrum disorder: A community sample using multiple assessment...

Area of Science:

• Developmental Psychology
• Clinical Psychology
• Speech-Language Pathology

Background:

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnosis relies on specific criteria.
• Early language development is crucial for children with ASD.
• Understanding language profiles aids in targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate language profiles in young children with ASD.
• To determine if language profiles are independent of assessment instruments.
• To identify predictors of language scores in children with ASD.

Main Methods:

• Assessed 104 children (1-3 years) diagnosed with ASD.
• Utilized Mullen Scales, Preschool Language Scale (fifth edition), and Vineland-II.
• Analyzed receptive-to-expressive language profiles and predictor variables.

Main Results:

• Language profiles varied significantly between assessment instruments and reporters.
• Preschool Language Scale (fifth edition) profiles were influenced by developmental level.
• Nonverbal cognition and joint attention predicted receptive language; nonverbal cognition and vocalizations predicted expressive language.

Conclusions:

• Multiple assessment tools are recommended for evaluating language in young children with ASD.
• Joint attention is a viable intervention target for improving receptive language skills.
• Further research comparing ASD to other developmental delays is warranted.