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Friday, May 8, 2009
Northwest Hall (Chicago Hilton)
11:00 AM
Background: Research indicates that there are high levels of behaviour problems present in young children with developmental delay, particularly in young children with autism. These behaviour problems are a significant contributor to parental psychosocial distress.
Objectives: To explore the presentation and the course of child behaviour problems and autism symptomatology over time. To determine if early markers of cognitive, social, and communication skills in young children are associated with subsequent behavioural outcomes.
Methods: One-hundred and eighty-seven children with developmental delay were followed-up 2 years after their initial assessment and diagnosis. At initial assessment the children were aged 20-55 months, and approximately two-thirds received a diagnosis of a Pervasive Developmental Disorder. Information on symptomatology, behaviour problems, developmental level, expressive and receptive language ability, adaptive behaviour, parent mental health, stress and family functioning was collected at both time points.
Results: Data will be presented on the course of autism symptomatology and behaviour problems over time in young children with developmental delay compared to young children with autism. Associations with developmental course and language development will also be explored.
Conclusions: As research has shown that behavioural and emotional problems in autism persist into adolescence and young adulthood, greater understanding of these issues in very young children will have implications for intervention and long term outcome.
Objectives: To explore the presentation and the course of child behaviour problems and autism symptomatology over time. To determine if early markers of cognitive, social, and communication skills in young children are associated with subsequent behavioural outcomes.
Methods: One-hundred and eighty-seven children with developmental delay were followed-up 2 years after their initial assessment and diagnosis. At initial assessment the children were aged 20-55 months, and approximately two-thirds received a diagnosis of a Pervasive Developmental Disorder. Information on symptomatology, behaviour problems, developmental level, expressive and receptive language ability, adaptive behaviour, parent mental health, stress and family functioning was collected at both time points.
Results: Data will be presented on the course of autism symptomatology and behaviour problems over time in young children with developmental delay compared to young children with autism. Associations with developmental course and language development will also be explored.
Conclusions: As research has shown that behavioural and emotional problems in autism persist into adolescence and young adulthood, greater understanding of these issues in very young children will have implications for intervention and long term outcome.