Preschool to School in Autism: Neuropsychiatric Problems 8 Years After Diagnosis at 3 Years of Age

J Autism Dev Disord. 2016 Aug;46(8):2749-2755. doi: 10.1007/s10803-016-2819-0.

Abstract

The study presents neuropsychiatric profiles of children aged 11 with autism spectrum disorder, assessed before 4.5 years, and after interventions. The original group comprised a community sample of 208 children with ASD. Parents of 128 participated-34 with average intellectual function, 36 with borderline intellectual function and 58 with intellectual disability. They were interviewed using the Autism-Tics, AD/HD and other Comorbidities interview. Criteria for a clinical/subclinical proxy of ASD were met by 71, 89 and 95 %, respectively. Criteria for at least one of ASD, AD/HD, Learning disorder or Developmental Coordination Disorder were met by 82, 94 and 97 %. More than 90 % of children with a preschool diagnosis of ASD have remaining neuropsychiatric problems at 11, despite early intervention.

Keywords: A-TAC interview; AD/HD; ASD; Autism spectrum disorder; Developmental coordination disorder; Follow-up; Intellectual disability; Learning disorder; Oppositional defiant disorder; Outcome.

MeSH terms

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder / diagnosis
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder / epidemiology
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder / psychology*
  • Child
  • Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / diagnosis
  • Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / epidemiology
  • Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / psychology*
  • Child, Preschool
  • Comorbidity
  • Early Intervention, Educational / methods
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Learning Disabilities / diagnosis
  • Learning Disabilities / epidemiology
  • Learning Disabilities / psychology*
  • Male
  • Schools*
  • Sweden / epidemiology
  • Tic Disorders / diagnosis
  • Tic Disorders / epidemiology
  • Tic Disorders / psychology*