The Regression of Language Skills in Preschool Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Background: The Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is characterized by the presence of severe impairment of social interaction and communication as well as by the presence of repetitive and stereotyped behaviors. In recent years, it has increased the interest of researchers for occurrence of language regression, in some cases of ASD, with negative outcomes on other areas of development. In general, language regression is understood as a significant or permanent loss of newly acquired words, in the first years of life, and it may be associated with epilepsy and genetic factors. The lost of skills may be an  early indicator of autistic traits because apparently it tends to be characteristic, although not universal, of children with ASD. 

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate retrospectively the occurrence of language regression in a sample of Caucasian preschool children diagnosed with Autistic Disorder or Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified. In particular, it was investigated: a) the percentage of children who regressed; b) the mean age of onset of regression; c) the level of regression before the loss; e) the possible co-occurrence with epilepsy and f) the co-occurrence of loss of skills in other developmental areas (motor, self-care, play and sociability).  

Methods: A database of 150 preschool children diagnosed with ASD, who were treated at the Cincinnati Children’s Medical Center in Ohio, between 2008 and 2009 was used. Regression was investigated based on items 11 to 28 of the Autism Diagnostic Interview – Revised (ADI-R).  

Results: Of the 150 children 33 met the criteria for participation in this study (age, race, diagnostic, and ADI-R complete measures). Of these, 18.2% had regression of oral language skills, with a mean age of onset of loss of 25 months. Regarding the level of language before the regression, 83.3% of children used at least five words spontaneously and communicatively, and 33.3% lost communicative intention. In addition, 66.6% of children who had language regression also showed lost of social interaction skills. None children had epilepsy.  

Conclusions: These results about the percentage of ASD children who had language regression, the mean age of onset and also the loss of social skills   corroborate previous findings. On the other hand, there was no co-occurrence with epilepsy. These results are discussed in the light of sociopragmatic theory.