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Eye Tracking Young Children with Autism
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Early childhood behavioral features that discriminate autism from other developmental problems in Japan

Midori Okuno1, Toru Uehara2

  • 1Department of Nursing, Nihon Institute of Medical Science, Saitama, Japan.

Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Nursing : Official Publication of the Association of Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Nurses, Inc
|August 30, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Early detection of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is challenging. This study found specific behavioral markers in toddlers that can help distinguish ASD from other developmental problems (ODP).

Area of Science:

  • Developmental Pediatrics
  • Child Psychology
  • Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Background:

  • Early detection of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and differentiation from other developmental problems (ODP) lack clear criteria.
  • The Social Attention and Communication Study's methods were adapted for the Japanese context to assess early ASD identification in community settings.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the discriminant validity of a modified Social Attention and Communication Study for early ASD identification in Japan.
  • To identify specific behavioral markers for differentiating ASD from ODP in toddlers.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 264 newborns was followed for 4 years in a Japanese town.
  • Structured behavioral assessments were integrated into standardized health examinations five times during toddlerhood.
  • Canonical discrimination analysis was employed to analyze behavioral data.

Main Results:

  • Two significant canonical functions were identified through analysis.
  • Canonical 1, reflecting "eye contact" and "concept comprehension" disturbances, was common to both ASD and ODP.
  • Canonical 2, involving "response to name call," "showing," and vocabulary development, effectively discriminated between ASD and ODP.

Conclusions:

  • Early behavioral sign evaluations by public health nurses during routine toddler check-ups can be effective.
  • The adapted assessment tool demonstrated utility in distinguishing ASD from ODP in a Japanese community setting.
  • Specific developmental milestones and behavioral disturbances can aid in early ASD diagnosis.
Abstract

Keywords:
neurodevelopmental disorderspublic health nursetoddler

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