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Autism Symptoms and Problem Behaviors in Children with and without Developmental Regression

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Abstract

Although frequently observed in individuals with ASD, little is known about the nature of developmental regression amongst this population. Previous studies have found varying results in differences in ASD symptoms, cognitive functioning, and comorbid problems between individuals who have and have not regressed in skills. The purpose of the present study was to examine potential differences in ASD symptom domains (i.e., nonverbal communication/socialization, verbal communication, social relationships, insistence on sameness/restricted interests) and challenging behaviors across groups. Participants included 160 total children with ASD (M = 8.17, SD = 4.12), of which 70 reported a history of developmental regression. Results indicated significant differences between groups on ASD severity, nonverbal communication/socialization, verbal communication, social relationships, and internalizing problems. No difference was found on insistence on sameness/restricted interests and externalizing problems. Implications of these data are discussed.

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Funding

This study was not funded by any funding agencies or grants.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, 70803, USA

    Jasper A. Estabillo, Johnny L. Matson & Paige E. Cervantes

Authors
  1. Jasper A. Estabillo
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  2. Johnny L. Matson
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  3. Paige E. Cervantes
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Jasper A. Estabillo.

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Ethical Approval

All procedures performed in this study were in accordance with the ethical standards of the institution, and with the 1964 Helsinki declaration and its later amendments.

Informed Consent

Informed consent was obtained from all parents/legal guardians of the participants in the study.

Conflict of Interest

Jasper A. Estabillo and Paige E. Cervantes declare that they have no conflicts of interest. Johnny L. Matson’s wife is the sole owner of the Autism Spectrum Disorders Assessment Battery for Children, which is sold by her company.

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Estabillo, J.A., Matson, J.L. & Cervantes, P.E. Autism Symptoms and Problem Behaviors in Children with and without Developmental Regression. J Dev Phys Disabil 30, 17–26 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10882-017-9573-x

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