Abstract
Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) with and without co-occurring schizophrenia spectrum traits (SST) were examined
for differences in co-occurring psychiatric symptoms, background characteristics, and mental health risk factors. Participating
mothers and teachers completed a DSM-IV-referenced rating scale and a background questionnaire (mothers only) describing 147
children (6–12 years) with ASD. There was a clear pattern of group differences in co-occurring psychiatric symptom severity
(+SST > SST−) and background characteristics. Children with impairing SST had more mental health risk factors. Girls were
more likely to be classified SST according to mothers’ ratings. Children born in spring–summer were more likely to be classified
non-SST by teachers’ ratings. Findings provide tentative evidence that SST may be a useful marker of behavioral heterogeneity
within the ASD clinical phenotype.
for differences in co-occurring psychiatric symptoms, background characteristics, and mental health risk factors. Participating
mothers and teachers completed a DSM-IV-referenced rating scale and a background questionnaire (mothers only) describing 147
children (6–12 years) with ASD. There was a clear pattern of group differences in co-occurring psychiatric symptom severity
(+SST > SST−) and background characteristics. Children with impairing SST had more mental health risk factors. Girls were
more likely to be classified SST according to mothers’ ratings. Children born in spring–summer were more likely to be classified
non-SST by teachers’ ratings. Findings provide tentative evidence that SST may be a useful marker of behavioral heterogeneity
within the ASD clinical phenotype.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Paper
- Pages 1-12
- DOI 10.1007/s10803-012-1473-4
- Authors
- Kenneth D. Gadow, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Cody Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities (Pediatrics), Stony Brook University, Putnam Hall, South Campus, Stony Brook, NY 11794-8790, USA
- Carla J. DeVincent, Department of Radiology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
- Journal Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
- Online ISSN 1573-3432
- Print ISSN 0162-3257