Regression in autism spectrum disorder: Reconciling findings from retrospective and prospective research

The way in which the behavioral manifestations of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) emerge in infancy is variable. Regression —loss of previously acquired skills—occurs in a subset of children. However, the etiology and significance of regression remains unclear. Until recently, investigation of regression relied on retrospective report by parents or examination of home videos from early in life. However, home videos a nd retrospective report of the nature and timing of regression, and association with factors such as illness or immunization, is potentially subject to bias. The advent of prospective studies of infant siblings at familial high‐risk of ASD has the potential to document regression as it occurs. Rec ent research has suggested that subtle loss of skills occurs in a larger proportion of children with ASD than previously assumed; however, there are few reports of clear‐cut regressions, such as that involving dramatic loss of language and other established skills, in the prospective literature. T his could be because of the following: clear‐cut regression occurs less commonly than parent report suggests, study design limits the potential to detect regression, or there are differences between multiplex and simplex families in the rate ofde novo genetic mutations and therefore regression risk. This review will bring together literature from retrospective and prospective research and attempt to reconcile diverging findings, with a specific focus on methodological...
Source: Autism Research - Category: Psychiatry Authors: Tags: REVIEW ARTICLE Source Type: research