Autism Spectrum Disorder: Investigating Predictive Adaptive Behavior Skill Deficits in Young Children

Abstract

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a lifelong neurodevelopmental disorder that consists of difficulties with social communication and language, as well as the presence of restricted and repetitive behaviors. These deficits tend to present in early childhood and usually lead to impairments in functioning across various settings. Moreover, these deficits have been shown to negatively impact adaptive behavior and functioning. Thus, early diagnosis and intervention is vital for future success within this population. The purpose of this study was to further examine the subscales that comprise the adaptive behavior section of the Bayley®-III to determine which of the ten subscales are predictive of ASD in young children (i.e., ≤ three years of age). A retrospective file review of 273 children participating in Kentucky’s early intervention program, First Steps, was completed. The children ranged in age from 18 to 35 months. A binary logistic regression was used to assess the subscales that comprise the adaptive behavior of the section of the Bayley®-III to determine which of the ten subscales are predictive of ASD in young children (i.e., ≤ three years of age). The results indicated that individual lower raw scores in communication, community use, functional preacademics, home living, health and safety, leisure, self-care, self-direction, and social subscales were predictive of an autism diagnosis.

Autism in Preschool-Aged Children: The Effects of COVID-19 Lockdown

“…Such substantial changes in everyday life are added to the pathological traits that are characteristic of the ASD condition, such as inflexibility and trouble with variation in schedule (Reicher, 2020), with a potential regression of previously acquired socio-cognitive skills (Pearson et al, 2018). As for behavior, ASD-related aggressiveness and stereotypies were worsened by social deprivation (Feige et al, 2021) and changes in routine (Alhuzimi, 2021). Regarding home confinement, parents working from home, owing to a better work-life balance (Ipsen et al, 2021), could support ASD children in mitigating their symptoms (Tokatly Latzer et al, 2021;Zwaigenbaum et al, 2015); however, other studies suggest that the positive effect deteriorated when the lockdown lingered, which increased parents' stress levels (Bozkus-Genc & Sani-Bozkurt, 2022).…”

Development of Communications Identification Matrix of Early Screening for Autism Children

“…Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is defined as a lifelong neurodevelopment disorder in children characterized by deficiencies in social communication and interaction, along with limited interest, repetitive behavior, and sensory issues (Lord et al, 2020;Feige et al, 2021). Lord et al (2020) added that ASD could also be shown from several levels of intellectual deficiency.…”

Early Detection Assessment Tools in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Literature Study

“…Autism spectrum disorderitself is a lifelong neurodevelopmental disorder that occurs in early childhood and is characterized by deficits in communication and social interaction, restricted interests, repetitive behaviors, and sensory problems (Grant, 2019;Lord et al, 2020;Feige, Mattingly, Pitts, & Smith, 2021). This disorder has a significant impact on the quality of personal and family life (Emily & Grace, 2015).…”