Homogeneous Subgroups of Young Children with Autism Improve Phenotypic Characterization in the Study to Explore Early Development

J Autism Dev Disord. 2017 Nov;47(11):3634-3645. doi: 10.1007/s10803-017-3280-4.

Abstract

The objective of this study was to identify homogenous classes of young children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to improve phenotypic characterization. Children were enrolled in the Study to Explore Early Development between 2 and 5 years of age. 707 children were classified with ASD after a comprehensive evaluation with strict diagnostic algorithms. Four classes of children with ASD were identified from latent class analysis: mild language delay with cognitive rigidity, mild language and motor delay with dysregulation, general developmental delay, and significant developmental delay with repetitive motor behaviors. We conclude that a four-class phenotypic model of children with ASD best describes our data and improves phenotypic characterization of young children with ASD. Implications for screening, diagnosis, and research are discussed.

Keywords: Autism; Autism spectrum disorder; Characterization; Phenotypes; Subgroups.

MeSH terms

  • Autistic Disorder / diagnosis*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Cognition
  • Developmental Disabilities / diagnosis*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Language Development*
  • Male
  • Motor Skills
  • Phenotype*