Homogeneous Subgroups of Young Children with Autism Improve Phenotypic Characterization in the Study to Explore Early Development.
Lisa D Wiggins, Lin H Tian, Susan E Levy and 10 others
PMID 28879490WHAT IT FOUND
Researchers identified four distinct profiles of young children with autism.
Two profiles featured mild language delays but significant sensory and behavioral issues. Clinicians should screen for cognitive rigidity and unusual sensory responses even when a child's language development appears near typical.
Key findings
01The analysis identified four distinct subgroups of children with ASD based on behavioral, developmental, and medical symptoms.
02Two of the four subgroups were characterized by only mild language delays but significant cognitive rigidity, unusual sensory responses, or behavioral dysregulation.
03Unusual sensory responses were highly prevalent across all four identified subgroups of children with ASD.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTsWhat it means for OTsWhat it means for SLPs
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What it does not show
The study is cross-sectional, so it cannot determine how these subgroups change over time or predict future outcomes. Most variables were based on parent report, which may be subject to recall bias. The results depend on the specific variables chosen for the analysis; different variables might produce different subgroups. The sample was limited to preschool-aged children, so findings may not apply to older children or adults.
Declared interests
The authors report no conflicts of interest.
The easy way to misread this
Do not assume that a child with mild language delays has a milder overall profile. One subgroup with average nonverbal skills and mild language delays had the highest rates of aggression, anxiety, and sleep problems, requiring intensive behavioral support.