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Trend of Symptoms in Children Diagnosed with Autistic Disorder as Measured by the Autism Spectrum Disorders-Diagnostic for Children (ASD-DC)

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Abstract

Researchers have examined the progression of core symptoms in AD; however, the primary focus of lifespan research for children with ASD has been based on retrospective reports and the stability of diagnoses. The purpose of this study, then, was to conduct a cross sectional investigation of symptom expression of AD throughout the childhood years. Participants consisted of children ranging in age from 3 to 11 years old who were diagnosed with AD. The participants were partitioned into three age cohorts, with symptom endorsements of AD assessed through the Autism Spectrum Disorders-Diagnostic for Children (ASD-DC). Results indicated that symptoms of AD were no more pronounced at any one of the three age cohorts when compared to each other. Additionally, a non-significant linear trend was found, indicating that symptoms of AD in childhood remain stable and chronic. Implications of these findings and future directions for research in this area are discussed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, USA

    Johnny L. Matson, Julie A. Hess, Daniene Neal, Sara Mahan & Jill C. Fodstad

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  1. Johnny L. Matson
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  2. Julie A. Hess
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  3. Daniene Neal
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  4. Sara Mahan
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  5. Jill C. Fodstad
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Correspondence to Johnny L. Matson.

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Matson, J.L., Hess, J.A., Neal, D. et al. Trend of Symptoms in Children Diagnosed with Autistic Disorder as Measured by the Autism Spectrum Disorders-Diagnostic for Children (ASD-DC). J Dev Phys Disabil 22, 47–56 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10882-009-9167-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10882-009-9167-3

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