Language regression in autism spectrum disorders: investigating adult outcomes 30-years later

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Title Language regression in autism spectrum disorders: investigating adult outcomes 30-years later
Publication Type dissertation
School or College College of Education
Department Educational Psychology
Author Harward, Sarah
Date 2014-08
Description Several studies have compared the outcomes of children with and without language regression; however, no studies to date provide outcome data investigating the early effect of language regression on adult outcomes. This study compared current adult functioning of individuals who were diagnosed with autism during childhood and reported to have language regression to those without reported language regression. Thirty-year follow-up data for participants with early childhood language regression were available for 118 participants in the follow-up study. Outcome measures included standardized assessments of diagnostic status, cognitive ability, and adaptive behavior. Demographic variables, indicators of independence, social relationships, medical and psychiatric conditions, and social service use were also recorded. Adult outcome results for children with and without language regression suggest that despite language regression occurring in 34% of children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, this occurrence does not affect later adult outcomes in comparison to those without language regression. This information is compelling, suggesting that while language regression can be devastating for children with ASD and their families, the potential adult outcomes are similar to those without reported language regression.
Type Text
Publisher University of Utah
Subject Adult; ASD; Autism; Longitudinal; Outcomes
Dissertation Institution University of Utah
Dissertation Name Doctor of Philosophy
Language eng
Rights Management Copyright © Sarah Harward 2014
Format application/pdf
Format Medium application/pdf
Format Extent 1,925,199 bytes
Identifier etd3/id/3181
ARK ark:/87278/s6z06hcm
Setname ir_etd
ID 196747
Reference URL https://collections.lib.utah.edu/ark:/87278/s6z06hcm
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