[P2-1] Developmental characteristics in early infancy of ASD children
(Introduction) Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is usually diagnosed at age 1.5 to 2yrs, or even older. The developmental state in early infancy is thus vague, based only on parental recollections. Herein, we investigated early developmental characteristics of ASD children starting in the neonatal period.
(Subjects and Method)
Ten infants (8 males; 2 females) undergoing at least three medical check-ups during and diagnosed with ASD after age 3 years were studied. ASD was diagnosed based on clinical observation and a score ≥ 15 on the checklist for autism spectrum disorders (CASD) by SD Mayes. We analyzed motor development characteristics, eating behaviors, sleep cycles, and so on.
(Results)
Motor development tended to be delayed, with walking acquisition at age 15 months on average. Persistence of breast feeding after weaning or a markedly unbalanced diet was observed in 7 patients. Three patients showed sleep disturbance, and 2 strongly disliked new places. The parents experienced severe difficulty raising their children. At approximately12 months of age, none showed joint attention, meaning that they lacked recognition of other people.
(Discussion) The children’s symptoms tended to make their parents experience difficulty in raising them, as well as exhaustion. Furthermore, early intervention softened the burden and promoted understanding of ASD children.
(Conclusion)
ASD children have various symptoms impacting infant care which are burdensome for parents. Early intervention and help for patients and their families thus appear to be important even before a definitive diagnosis is obtained or rehabilitation is initiated.
(Subjects and Method)
Ten infants (8 males; 2 females) undergoing at least three medical check-ups during and diagnosed with ASD after age 3 years were studied. ASD was diagnosed based on clinical observation and a score ≥ 15 on the checklist for autism spectrum disorders (CASD) by SD Mayes. We analyzed motor development characteristics, eating behaviors, sleep cycles, and so on.
(Results)
Motor development tended to be delayed, with walking acquisition at age 15 months on average. Persistence of breast feeding after weaning or a markedly unbalanced diet was observed in 7 patients. Three patients showed sleep disturbance, and 2 strongly disliked new places. The parents experienced severe difficulty raising their children. At approximately12 months of age, none showed joint attention, meaning that they lacked recognition of other people.
(Discussion) The children’s symptoms tended to make their parents experience difficulty in raising them, as well as exhaustion. Furthermore, early intervention softened the burden and promoted understanding of ASD children.
(Conclusion)
ASD children have various symptoms impacting infant care which are burdensome for parents. Early intervention and help for patients and their families thus appear to be important even before a definitive diagnosis is obtained or rehabilitation is initiated.