Developmental milestones in toddlers with autistic disorder, pervasive developmental disorder--not otherwise specified and atypical development.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate age differences in developmental milestone attainment among toddlers with Autistic Disorder, PDD-NOS and atypical development.


METHODS
A questionnaire was administered to caregivers of toddlers to obtain ages of onset of developmental milestones. The study included 1044 participants with 442, 112, 498 and 497 participants in first word, first phrase, crawling and walking analyses, respectively.


RESULTS
Significant differences were found between groups on the attainment of milestones within normal limits, delayed or not yet attained. Significant differences were also found between groups in age of saying first word and onset of crawling. There were no significant differences between groups for walking or first phrase.


CONCLUSIONS
Increased severity of autism has been noted to be related to greater deficits in a multitude of areas. With basic human motor behaviours also appearing to follow that trend, motor and speech skills should be targeted in early intervention programmes.
Matson
Johnny L
JL
Louisiana State University, Psychology, 3333 Woodlandridge Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA 70816, USA. johnmatson@aol.com
Mahan
Sara
S
Kozlowski
Alison M
AM
Shoemaker
Mary
M
D000704:Analysis of Variance; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D002657:Child Development / Q000502:physiology*; D002659:Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / Q000503:physiopathology*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires