Language Outcomes for Preverbal Toddlers with Autism.docVIP

Language Outcomes for Preverbal Toddlers with Autism 　　Abstract 　　Research on late talking toddlers who do not have autism indicates the majority of late talkers will perform within normal limits on comprehensive language measures by the time they reach school age, and toddlers with higher receptive language skills will have better language outcomes. There is little research on school-age outcomes for late-talking toddlers who have autism. The present research investigated 75 children between 2 and 3 years of age who presented with language delays and characteristics of autism. Results indicated the majority (81%) of children with autism use verbal language by the time they reach school age. A subset of 40 of these children who were reported to use verbal language completed language testing. Results revealed that children with better language scores between the ages of 2 and 3 demonstrated better language scores upon follow-up. These findings add to our knowledge of the nature of language use and performance in children with autism. 　　Keywords: autism, nonverbal, language, preschool, school age, outcomes 　　Language Outcomes for Preverbal Toddlers with Autism 　　Autism is a developmental disorder of unknown origin manifested by notably impaired social skills, impaired communication skills, and patterns of repetitive and restrictive stereotypic behaviors resulting in variable difficulties across a wide range of developmental domains. Young children with autism exhibit delays in early communication and language acquisition. These delays are often the first indication of the disorder (Lord Paul, 1997; Rutter Bartak, 1971). The general language trajectory of children with autism can be variable, often involving deficits in both the form and function of language (Kjelgaard Tager-Flusberg, 2001; Lord Paul, 1997; Tager-Flusberg Joseph, 2003; Tager-Flusberg, Paul, Lord, 2005). Typical language characteristics of autism include: delayed onset of speech and/or limite