Language profiles in young children with autism spectrum disorder: A community sample using multiple assessment instruments

Abstract

This study investigated language profiles in a community-based sample of 104 children aged 1-3 years who had been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder using Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.) diagnostic criteria. Language was assessed with the Mullen scales, Preschool Language Scale, fifth edition, and Vineland-II parent-report. The study aimed to determine whether the receptive-to-expressive language profile is independent from the assessment instrument used, and whether nonverbal cognition, early communicative behaviors, and autism spectrum disorder symptoms predict language scores. Receptive-to-expressive language profiles differed between assessment instruments and reporters, and Preschool Language Scale, fifth edition profiles were also dependent on developmental level. Nonverbal cognition and joint attention significantly predicted receptive language scores, and nonverbal cognition and frequency of vocalizations predicted expressive language scores. These findings support the administration of multiple direct assessment and parent-report instruments when evaluating language in young children with autism spectrum disorder, for both research and in clinical settings. Results also support that joint attention is a useful intervention target for improving receptive language skills in young children with autism spectrum disorder. Future research comparing language profiles of young children with autism spectrum disorder to children with non-autism spectrum disorder developmental delays and typical development will add to our knowledge of early language development in children with autism spectrum disorder.

Altered lateralization of dorsal language tracts in 6‐week‐old infants at risk for autism

“…This instrument is a parent‐report standardized questionnaire that measures expressive and receptive language skills. Typically developing infants, and even infants who later exhibit language delays, typically show an early receptive advantage (i.e., total number of words comprehended minus words produced) based on the CDI; however, prior research has found that early language profiles are often atypical in HR infants (Nevill et al., ). Importantly, several studies showed that HR infants do not show such an advantage; this CDI receptive advantage metric has also been shown to be predictive of ASD outcome in HR infants, such that infants who later develop ASD have a lower receptive advantage score (Ellis Weismer, Lord, & Esler, ; Hudry et al., , ).…”

The influence of child-based factors and parental inputs on expressive language abilities in children with autism spectrum disorder

“…Researchers have examined various potential child-based predictors of language outcomes in autistic children. Nonverbal IQ, the most frequently investigated, is a strong positive predictor of language abilities in autistic children (Anderson et al, 2007; Brignell et al, 2018; Nevill et al, 2019; Thurm et al, 2015; Weismer & Kover, 2015). For example, in a study by Weismer and Kover (2015), which employed a clinician-administered test to measure language abilities in 129 autistic children aged from 2.5 to 5.5 years, nonverbal IQ was found to be a strong predictor of language production during preschool years.…”

Assessment of Communication in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder in South India: Influence of Environment

“…Furthermore, considering the significant lack of social engagement in children with ASD, spontaneous communication sample may provide reliable information about functional communication (Fernandes et al, 2011). Incorporating a multi-method approach to assessment and profiling of communication in these children in a variety of context yields better representative profile (Nevill et al, 2017; Tager-Flusberg, 2000). This will also facilitate a child-centered therapeutic intervention and a better prognosis (Belkadi, 2006).…”