A pilot study of maternal sensitivity in the context of emergent autism.
Unstructured mother-toddler interactions were examined in 18-month-old high- and low-risk children subsequently diagnosed (n = 12) or not diagnosed (n = 21) with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) at 36 months. Differences in maternal sensitivity were not found as a function of emergent ASD status. A differential-susceptibility moderation model of child risk guided investigations linking maternal sensitivity to child behavior and language growth. Group status moderated the relation between sensitivity and concurrent child behavior problems, with a positive association present for children with emergent ASD. Maternal sensitivity at 18 months predicted expressive language growth from age 2 to 3 years among children with emergent ASD only. Findings underscore the importance of understanding parent-child interaction during this key period in the development of autism symptomatology.
Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Rm 533, Madison, WI, USA. jbaker@waisman.wisc.edu
Jason K
JK
Baker
Daniel S
DS
Messinger
Kara K
KK
Lyons
Caroline J
CJ
Grantz
D000367:Age Factors; D002653:Child Behavior Disorders / Q000523:psychology; D002657:Child Development; D002659:Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007804:Language Development; D009034:Mother-Child Relations; D009035:Mothers / Q000523:psychology; D010865:Pilot Projects; D010988:Play and Playthings / Q000523:psychology; D012307:Risk Factors