Study 1 examined the utility of the M-CHAT, Pervasive Developmental Disorders Screening Test-II (PDDST-II), and Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ) for children who later received a comprehensive evaluation for ASD. The effectiveness of the instruments was further examined for racial differences among children seen at the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (LEND)training program.
Study 2 contrasted the Behavior Assessment System for Children, Second Edition–Parent Rating Scales–Preschool Form (BASC-2 PRS-P) parent ratings for 242 preschool-aged children from three diagnostic groups: autism spectrum disorder (ASD), intellectual disability (ID), and ASD and ID (ASD/ID). Across diagnostic groups, atypical behavior, attention, and adaptive functioning were rated as problematic; Developmental Social Disorders (DSD) scores were elevated across diagnostic groups and did not differ. Several BASC-2 clinical and adaptive scales differed across diagnostic groups. The BASC-2 identified problem areas in a preschool clinical sample that were consistent with those of preschoolers with developmental disabilities. However, findings did not support use of the DSD as an ASD-specific screening measure.
Study 3 found that by using ADHD-specific and broad-band instruments, children with intellectual disability (ID) and autism spectrum disorder/intellectual disability (ASD/ID) evidenced significantly less inattention and hyperactive/impulsive behaviors than those with ADHD without ID. The use of multiple measures in conjunction with other assessment procedures may assist practitioners in determining the most appropriate diagnosis.
Study 4 examined the cognitive profiles for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and those with (intellectual disability (ID). Relatively uneven verbal-nonverbal performance was found for those with ASD, and more evenly developed profiles for those with ID. Specific strengths and weaknesses were most apparent for those with ASD.
Study 5 examined the contributions made by the items of a brief socio-emotional scale for young children with and without autism symptoms seem at a community assessment clinic when they were 24 months of age.
Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC)
Autism Research Database (AFD)
