Developing and Refining Instruments and Methods for Diagnostic and Language Assessment of Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD).

Abstract

Earlier provision of services and treatments is associated with better outcomes in Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Researchers and clinicians recognize the increasing need for diagnostic instruments that are appropriate for toddlers and young preschoolers to capture the early signs of autism. However, comprehensive assessment of ASD for toddlers and young preschoolers has been compromised by lower diagnostic validity of preexisting instruments for these children. Therefore, the first two studies in this three-study dissertation focus on improving and expanding the valid use of pre-existing diagnostic measures for toddlers and young preschoolers with ASD from 12 to 47 months of age. The first study achieves this by developing new diagnostic algorithms for a widely used diagnostic instrument. The second study is focused on evaluating different diagnostic methods to use information from the instrument included in the first study and another commonly used diagnostic instrument in a way that maximizes the diagnostic validity of the instruments. Language skills in young children with ASD have been found to be one of the most important variables predicting better outcomes in later childhood and adulthood. However, there have not generally been standardized instruments that measure spontaneous expressive language of children with ASD in a relatively naturalistic setting. Therefore, the third study of this dissertation focuses on developing a new measure for children with ASD and other communication disorders from 2 to 12 years of age for the valid description of spontaneous language use in a standardized, but naturalistic, setting. Overall, this dissertation is focused on developing and refining instruments and methods for the diagnostic and language assessment of young children with ASD. The newly developed and identified diagnostic algorithms and methods for toddlers and preschoolers will enhance the early identification and provision of treatment for these young children. The new language measure will allow clinicians and researchers to describe the current level of language and quantify language impairments in relation to autism symptoms for children with ASD. These newly developed and improved diagnostic and language measures will provide useful information for treatment and education programs promoting more positive outcomes for young children with ASD.Ph.D.PsychologyUniversity of Michigan, Horace H. Rackham School of Graduate Studieshttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/91478/1/sohkim_1.pd