Developmental trajectories of adaptive behavior in autism spectrum disorder: a high-risk sibling cohort.
BACKGROUND
Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often experience impairments in adaptive behavior.


METHODS
Developmental trajectories of adaptive behavior in ASD were examined in children from high-risk (siblings of children diagnosed with ASD, n = 403) and low-risk (no family history of ASD, n = 163) families. Children were assessed prospectively at 12, 18, 24, and 36 months of age using the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales and underwent a blind independent diagnostic assessment for ASD at 36 months of age.


RESULTS
The semi-parametric group-based modeling approach using standard scores on the Adaptive Behavior Composite revealed three distinct developmental trajectories: (a) Group 1 (21.2% of sample) showed average performance at 12 months and a declining trajectory; (b) Group 2 (52.8% of the sample) showed average performance at 12 months with a slightly declining trajectory; and (c) Group 3 (26.0% of the sample) showed a higher level of adaptive behavior at 12 months and a stable trajectory. The Mullen Scales of Early Learning Early Learning Composite and the Autism Observation Scale for Infants total score at 6 and 12 months predicted trajectory membership.


CONCLUSIONS
The results emphasize heterogeneous development associated with ASD and the need for interventions tailored to individual presentations.
['Sacrey|Lori-Ann R|LR|', 'Zwaigenbaum|Lonnie|L|', 'Bryson|Susan|S|', 'Brian|Jessica|J|', 'Smith|Isabel M|IM|', 'Raza|Sarah|S|', 'Roberts|Wendy|W|', 'Szatmari|Peter|P|', 'Vaillancourt|Tracy|T|', 'Roncadin|Caroline|C|', 'Garon|Nancy|N|']
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological D000067877:Autism Spectrum Disorder D002170:Canada D002652:Child Behavior D002675:Child, Preschool D005260:Female D006801:Humans D007223:Infant D008297:Male D012306:Risk D035781:Siblings
Autism spectrum disorders development adaptive behaviour high risk studies