Autism Under Age 3 Years: A Clinical Study of 28 Cases Referred for Autistic Symptoms in Infancy

Abstract

Twenty-eight children referred with a preliminary diagnosis of autistic disorder under age 3 yrs were extensively examined from the neuropsychiatric point of view and followed up for several months to several years. A diagnosis of autistic disorder was confirmed in 75% of the cases. A variety of associated medical conditions was identified. It was concluded that autism can be diagnosed in a substantial proportion of cases before age 3 yrs and that the neurobiological background is similar to that seen in older autistic children.

Autism Spectrum Disorders and Symptoms in Children with Molecularly Confirmed 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome

“…Even when taking into account the disproportionate percentage of males in the sample, the malefemale ratio in children who met criteria for autism was 3-4:1, which is consistent with past research (Burd, Severud, Kerbeshian, & Klug, 1999;Fombonne, 1999Fombonne, , 2003Steffenburg & Gillberg, 1986). In addition, although the sample in general tended to be mildly globally developmentally delayed, children who met criteria for ASD tended to have more severe delays, which is in line with past research that has suggested that ASD is often co-morbid with severe to profound cognitive impairments (Fombonne, 1999(Fombonne, , 2003Gillberg et al, 1990;Lord & Volkar, 2002;Sigman & Capps, 1997).…”

Screening for Autism Spectrum Disorders in Flemish Day-Care Centres with the Checklist for Early Signs of Developmental Disorders

“…We performed a literature review on retrospective, prospective and home movie research on red flags of ASD in infants and toddlers (Adrien et al, 1991(Adrien et al, , 1993Baranek, 1999;Eaves & Ho, 2004;Gillberg et al, 1990;Gray & Tonge, 2001;Lord, 1995;Mars, Mauk, & Dorwick, 1998;Maestro, Casella, Milone, Muratori, & Palacio-Espasa, 1999;Maestro et al, 2001;Osterling & Dawson, 1994;Osterling, Dawson, & Munson, 2002;Werner, Dawson, Osterling, & Dinno, 2000;Wetherby et al, 2004;Wimpory, Hobson, Williams, & Nash, 2000;Zwaigenbaum et al, 2005). Unpublished findings of home movie research of our own research group were also included.…”

An MRI and proton spectroscopy study of the thalamus in children with autism

“…While not necessary to make the diagnosis, these features are clinically important because of their impact on function and quality of life. This is particularly true for the sensory disturbances, where recent evidence pointed to their usefulness in distinguishing autism from mental retardation in very young children with pervasive developmental disorders (Gillberg et al, 1990). However, a limited number of studies have focused on the neurobiological basis of these deficits, and further investigations of their pathophysiology are needed if more effective therapeutic strategies are to be developed.…”