Trajectory research in children with an autism diagnosis: A scoping review.

ABSTRACT:

Lay abstract

The types of outcomes studied in children on the autism spectrum include clinical characteristics, such as social functioning, communication, language, or autism symptoms. Research that measures these outcomes at multiple timepoints is useful to improve our understanding of what to expect as children develop. In trajectory studies, researchers assess outcomes at three or more timepoints. This method has advantages over two-timepoint studies because it allows researchers to describe changes in the speed of development, such as accelerations, plateaus, or slowdowns. We identified and reviewed 103 published trajectory studies in children (to age 18 years) with an autism diagnosis. Importantly, we did not include studies of treatments or their effects, nor did we summarize

SUBMITTER: Gentles SJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10913344 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature