Abstract
The present study examined diagnostic differentiation between school-aged children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and
children with pragmatic language impairment (PLI). Standardized diagnostic instruments were used to investigate the relationship
between severity of ‘autism triad’ impairments and group membership. The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule was administered
to 19 children with PLI and 22 children with ASD. Parents completed the Social Communication Questionnaire. There was a significant
difference between diagnostic groups in the level of the severity of behaviors represented by the Communication and Reciprocal Social Interaction sub-domains on both diagnostic measures. Currently displayed Repetitive and Restricted Behaviors and Interests were not found to be useful for differentiating between groups. The similarities found between groups have important implications
for intervention.
children with pragmatic language impairment (PLI). Standardized diagnostic instruments were used to investigate the relationship
between severity of ‘autism triad’ impairments and group membership. The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule was administered
to 19 children with PLI and 22 children with ASD. Parents completed the Social Communication Questionnaire. There was a significant
difference between diagnostic groups in the level of the severity of behaviors represented by the Communication and Reciprocal Social Interaction sub-domains on both diagnostic measures. Currently displayed Repetitive and Restricted Behaviors and Interests were not found to be useful for differentiating between groups. The similarities found between groups have important implications
for intervention.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Pages 1-11
- DOI 10.1007/s10803-011-1196-y
- Authors
- Lisa M. Reisinger, Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
- Kim M. Cornish, Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
- Éric Fombonne, Autism Spectrum Disorders Program, Montreal Children’s Hospital, Montreal, Canada
- Journal Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
- Online ISSN 1573-3432
- Print ISSN 0162-3257