Age-related changes in autism spectrum disorder symptoms among children 3–9 years old: Experience of using the autism scale

Abstract

The paper presents a study of ASD symptoms age-related variability in 3–9-year-olds. Studying the age-specific characteristics of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is highly significant as it helps to increase the impact of therapeutic intervention. The symptoms of ASD are represented in the following domains: communication disorders; emotional disorders; sensory disintegration; disinhibition/hyperactivity; general severity of ASD symptoms. The sample consisted of 70 children, with officially diagnosed ASD and children with other forms of development disorders, combined with 881 children who took part in the previous study. It was assumed that: the symptomatic structure of ASD has a specific pattern of changes over time; the age dynamics of ASD symptoms in children with autism and children with other developmental disorders is different; the parent assessment of symptoms severity differs from professional assessment. The study involved specialists regularly implementing interventions with participants. Additionally, symptom assessment was conducted by participants’ parents for further comparison. The results showed that children with autism have a significant tendency to decrease the severity of autistic symptoms with age, in such domains as communication disorders, sensory disintegration and the overall severity of ASD symptoms. No such trend has been revealed for children with other development disorders. The trend for parents to underestimate the symptoms severity is observed. Further research can expand our understanding of symptom variability and the effectiveness of correctional approaches.