The relationship between autism spectrum disorders and symptoms of conduct problems: the moderating effect of communication.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the relationship between ASD diagnosis (i.e. Autism, Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS) and atypical developing control) and tantrum/conduct symptoms in infants and toddlers. Then examine the moderating role of communication.


METHODS
Analysis of Covariance was conducted for study 1 followed by hierarchical regression analyses for study 2.


METHODS
The Baby and Infant Screen for Children with aUtIsm Traits, Part 2 was administered to the caregivers of 774 infants and toddlers.


RESULTS
Those with autism exhibited the greatest tantrum/conduct symptoms followed by those with PDD-NOS and then atypical controls, F(3, 771) =94.42, p=0.003. Communication was not a significant moderator.


CONCLUSIONS
Those with Autistic Disorder exhibited greater symptoms of tantrum/conduct problems, which is consistent with previous research. It seems that the relationship with communication as a moderator may differ in young children as their language skills are still in the early stages of development.
Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA.
Megan
M
Sipes
Johnny L
JL
Matson
Max
M
Horovitz
Mary
M
Shoemaker
D002659:Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003142:Communication; D019955:Conduct Disorder / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012720:Severity of Illness Index