One-year change in repetitive behaviours in young children with communication disorders including autism.

Repetitive behaviours are a relatively neglected area of study in autism. Previous research has concluded that repetitive behaviour is inversely related to ability and that it tends to increase over the preschool years. One-hundred and four children ages 24-48 months, with autism, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or other disorders, were followed for 13 months. Twelve items from the Autism Diagnostic Interview (ADI-R) were analysed, as well as diagnostic algorithm scores. Ability was related to degree of repetitive behaviours, except for one cluster of relatively able children. ADI-R repetitive behaviour algorithm scores increased over time; however, when all 12 behaviours were considered, there was a general decrease in impact upon the child's and family's activities. Reasons for this decrease are discussed.

A controlled trial of a training course for parents of children with suspected autism spectrum disorder.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a training course for parents, designed to help them understand autism spectrum disorder and to facilitate social communication with their young child. STUDY DESIGN: Controlled trial for 51 children aged 24 to 48 months, whose parents received either immediate intervention or delayed access to the course. Outcome was measured 7 months after recruitment in parents' use of facilitative strategies, stress, adaptation to the child; and in children's vocabulary size, behavior problems, and social communication skills. RESULTS: Taking into account scores at recruitment, child's level of ability, diagnostic grouping, and the interval between assessments, a significant advantage was found for the intervention group in parents' observed use of facilitative strategies and in children's vocabulary size. CONCLUSIONS: The training course is well received by parents and has a measurable effect on both parents' and children's communication skills.