Trajectories of language development in children with autism spectrum disorder

Background. The ability to use language is an important life skill. Language difficulties are common in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) yet there is great variability in the phenotypes and trajectories of language development.... [ view full abstract ]

Background. The ability to use language is an important life skill. Language difficulties are common in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) yet there is great variability in the phenotypes and trajectories of language development. Parents, clinicians and policy makers need accurate information on expected language outcomes for children with ASD.

Methodology. Individual language trajectories from a large population-based study of communication development in children (n=1917, n (ASD)=44) were mapped at 4, 5 and 7 years. A Generalized Estimated Equation approach was used to map and describe trajectories for children with ASD, compared to children with language impairment and typical language.

Results. There was substantial variability in language trajectories and outcomes for children with ASD. On average, children with ASD demonstrated a slower rate of change compared to children with typically developing group over three waves of data collection. Children with ASD had an estimated mean decrease of 18.0 units on receptive language standard scores (p<0.001) and 18.1 on expressive language standard scores (p<0.001) compared to the typically developing group. Children with language impairment had an estimated mean decrease of 24.6 on receptive language standard scores (p<0.001) and 24.4 on expressive language standard scores (p<0.001) compared to the typically developing group.

Conclusion/Perspectives. Language development in ASD is complex and heterogeneous. A detailed understanding of language trajectories in ASD is needed to identify strengths, tailor interventions, provide parents with realistic expectations for future abilities and to help plan for support needs.

Ethical approval for the study was obtained from the Royal Childrens Hospital (#23018) and La Trobe University, Human Ethics Committee (#03-32). [ view full abstract ]

Ethical approval for the study was obtained from the Royal Childrens Hospital (#23018) and La Trobe University, Human Ethics Committee (#03-32).