Abstract
Research suggests that children with Down syndrome may be at increased risk of having an autism spectrum disorder; however, previous studies have not utilized comprehensive, state-of-the-art diagnostic tools to address the question of comorbid autism and Down syndrome. Comprehensive evaluations for autism were conducted in 20 2-year-old children with Down syndrome. The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-Generic (ADOS-G) and the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R) were administered by experienced clinicians, who then determined if the child presented with significant symptoms of autism. Eighteen children participated in a follow-up evaluation at age 4 years. Three children (15%) met criteria for an autism spectrum disorder at both time points, and two (10%) for autistic disorder. Case descriptions are provided. Several children presented with difficulties in communication and play, but did not show problems in core social relatedness. The ADOS-G, if used alone, over-identifies autism in toddlers with Down syndrome. Clinical judgement is critical in diagnosing autism in Down syndrome. Young children may show some signs of autism (particularly in the area of communication) and not have the disorder. Children who have comorbid Down syndrome and autism are particularly challenged, relative to their peers without autism.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 48-57 |
| Number of pages | 10 |
| Journal | Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities |
| Volume | 21 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Jan 2008 |
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Keywords
- Autism
- Comorbidity
- Down syndrome
- Early development
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Rehabilitation
- Health Professions(all)
- Psychology(all)
- Developmental and Educational Psychology
Cite this
Autism symptoms in toddlers with Down syndrome : A descriptive study. / Hepburn, Susan; Philofsky, Amy; Fidler, Deborah J.; Rogers, Sally J.
In: Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, Vol. 21, No. 1, 01.2008, p. 48-57.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
}
TY - JOUR
T1 - Autism symptoms in toddlers with Down syndrome
T2 - A descriptive study
AU - Hepburn, Susan
AU - Philofsky, Amy
AU - Fidler, Deborah J.
AU - Rogers, Sally J
PY - 2008/1
Y1 - 2008/1
N2 - Research suggests that children with Down syndrome may be at increased risk of having an autism spectrum disorder; however, previous studies have not utilized comprehensive, state-of-the-art diagnostic tools to address the question of comorbid autism and Down syndrome. Comprehensive evaluations for autism were conducted in 20 2-year-old children with Down syndrome. The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-Generic (ADOS-G) and the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R) were administered by experienced clinicians, who then determined if the child presented with significant symptoms of autism. Eighteen children participated in a follow-up evaluation at age 4 years. Three children (15%) met criteria for an autism spectrum disorder at both time points, and two (10%) for autistic disorder. Case descriptions are provided. Several children presented with difficulties in communication and play, but did not show problems in core social relatedness. The ADOS-G, if used alone, over-identifies autism in toddlers with Down syndrome. Clinical judgement is critical in diagnosing autism in Down syndrome. Young children may show some signs of autism (particularly in the area of communication) and not have the disorder. Children who have comorbid Down syndrome and autism are particularly challenged, relative to their peers without autism.
AB - Research suggests that children with Down syndrome may be at increased risk of having an autism spectrum disorder; however, previous studies have not utilized comprehensive, state-of-the-art diagnostic tools to address the question of comorbid autism and Down syndrome. Comprehensive evaluations for autism were conducted in 20 2-year-old children with Down syndrome. The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-Generic (ADOS-G) and the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R) were administered by experienced clinicians, who then determined if the child presented with significant symptoms of autism. Eighteen children participated in a follow-up evaluation at age 4 years. Three children (15%) met criteria for an autism spectrum disorder at both time points, and two (10%) for autistic disorder. Case descriptions are provided. Several children presented with difficulties in communication and play, but did not show problems in core social relatedness. The ADOS-G, if used alone, over-identifies autism in toddlers with Down syndrome. Clinical judgement is critical in diagnosing autism in Down syndrome. Young children may show some signs of autism (particularly in the area of communication) and not have the disorder. Children who have comorbid Down syndrome and autism are particularly challenged, relative to their peers without autism.
KW - Autism
KW - Comorbidity
KW - Down syndrome
KW - Early development
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U2 - 10.1111/j.1468-3148.2007.00368.x
DO - 10.1111/j.1468-3148.2007.00368.x
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:37249021886
VL - 21
SP - 48
EP - 57
JO - Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities
JF - Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities
SN - 1360-2322
IS - 1
ER -