Early gesture development as a predictor of autism spectrum disorder in elevated-likelihood infants of ASD.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Gesture difficulties have been reported in later-born siblings of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Careful observation of gesture development during the first two years of children at elevated likelihood (EL) of developing ASD may identify behavioral indicators that facilitate early diagnosis.

Methods

This study enrolled 47 EL infants and 27 low-likelihood (LL) infants to explore gesture developmental trajectories and the predictive value of gesture to expedite the early detection of core characteristics of ASD. Gesture frequency, communication function, and integration ability were observed and coded from a semi-structured assessment administered longitudinally across 9-19 months of age. We conducted the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule assessm

SUBMITTER: Liu L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11492737 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature