Variation in vocal-motor development in infant siblings of children with autism

J Autism Dev Disord. 2007 Jan;37(1):158-70. doi: 10.1007/s10803-006-0339-z. Epub 2006 Dec 27.

Abstract

In this study we examined early motor, vocal, and communicative development in a group of younger siblings of children diagnosed with autism (Infant Siblings). Infant Siblings and no-risk comparison later-born infants were videotaped at home with a primary caregiver each month from 5 to 14 months, with follow-up at 18 months. As a group, Infant Siblings were delayed in the onset of early developmental milestones and spent significantly less time in a greater number of postures, suggestive of relative postural instability. In addition, they demonstrated attenuated patterns of change in rhythmic arm activity around the time of reduplicated babble onset; and they were highly likely to exhibit delayed language development at 18 months.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Autistic Disorder / diagnosis
  • Autistic Disorder / epidemiology*
  • Communication Disorders / diagnosis
  • Communication Disorders / epidemiology
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Language Development Disorders / diagnosis
  • Language Development Disorders / epidemiology*
  • Male
  • Mass Screening / methods*
  • Motor Skills Disorders / diagnosis
  • Motor Skills Disorders / epidemiology*
  • Periodicity
  • Posture
  • Prevalence
  • Speech Disorders / diagnosis
  • Speech Disorders / epidemiology*
  • Stereotypic Movement Disorder / diagnosis
  • Stereotypic Movement Disorder / epidemiology
  • Verbal Behavior*