To identify the developmental trajectory of young children with an autism diagnosis and clinical factors associated with better developmental outcomes, including specific characteristics such as age at diagnosis and baseline T-scores.
Approach:
Key Findings:
Improvements in Receptive Language (mean T-score increased from 26.5 to 32.0, p=0.003) and Expressive Language (mean T-score increased from 26.0 to 30.7, p=0.010) were observed.
Higher baseline T-scores were associated with better follow-up scores across multiple developmental domains, including Fine Motor and Early Learning Composite.
Age at initial presentation was significantly associated with Fine Motor outcomes (β = 1.26, p=0.031).
Intervention hours were not independently associated with developmental outcomes in the full sample, but higher hours correlated with better outcomes in children with baseline developmental delay.
Interpretation:
Child-level characteristics, such as age at diagnosis and baseline T-scores, significantly influence developmental trajectories beyond intervention hours alone.
Limitations:
The study is based on a small sample size of 38 children, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.
Findings may not generalize to all children diagnosed with autism due to the specific setting and sample characteristics, including potential biases in intervention access.
Conclusion:
Early identification and intervention for autism are supported, but individual characteristics, such as age at diagnosis and baseline developmental status, play a significant role in shaping developmental outcomes.
