Developmental and Psychiatric Conditions Among 5-7 Year Old Children with Non-persistent and Persistent Autism.

This study followed children diagnosed with autism as toddlers to see how they were doing at school age (5-7 years). About 63% still had autism, while 37% no longer met the criteria. The most common additional challenges were ADHD, speech problems, and intellectual disability. Children who still had autism were much more likely to have other conditions.

Even children who no longer had autism showed higher rates of ADHD than typical children. This suggests all children need ongoing support and monitoring.

This longitudinal study followed 213 children diagnosed with ASD between 12-36 months to assess developmental and psychiatric conditions (DPCs) at ages 5-7 years. Results showed 62.6% maintained their ASD diagnosis (persistent ASD) while 37% no longer met criteria (non-persistent ASD). The most common co-occurring conditions were ADHD (27.2%), speech disorders (21.6%), and intellectual disability (21.6%). Children with persistent ASD were over 5 times more likely to have additional DPCs compared to those with non-persistent ASD.

Even among children with non-persistent ASD, 29.1% had at least one DPC, with ADHD rates (19%) exceeding population norms. These findings highlight the importance of ongoing monitoring for co-occurring conditions regardless of ASD persistence.

Regular developmental monitoring is essential for all children with early ASD diagnoses, regardless of symptom persistence. Clinicians should routinely screen for ADHD, speech disorders, and intellectual disability. Children with persistent ASD require more intensive monitoring for co-occurring conditions. Assessment protocols should be comprehensive and ongoing rather than one-time evaluations.

Study limitations are not clearly described in the abstract. The sample composition, recruitment methods, and potential selection biases are unclear. The definition of 'non-persistent ASD' and assessment reliability are not detailed. Long-term outcomes beyond age 7 remain unknown.

To describe the types and frequency of developmental and psychiatric conditions (DPCs) in early school-age children who were diagnosed with ASD as toddlers and to compare rates of DPCs in children whose ASD persists ("persistent ASD") versus those in whom it does not ("non-persistent ASD"). Children with a clinical ASD diagnosis at 12-36 months old underwent a research assessment at 5-7 years old. Research assessments included measures of ASD symptoms and cognitive and adaptive functioning. A research psychologist assigned an ASD diagnosis (yes or no) based on the child's current functioning.

Information about DPCs was obtained from parent and/or research psychologist report. Intellectual disability was defined as cognitive standard score < 70. Of the 213 children diagnosed with ASD at initial clinical assessment, at the research assessment 134 (62.6%) had persistent ASD and 79 (37%) had non-persistent ASD. Overall, the most common DPCs were ADHD (n = 58; 27.2%); speech disorder (n = 46; 21.6%); and intellectual disability (n = 46; 21.6%).

Of children with non-persistent ASD, 29.1% had ≥ 1 DPC, and 19% had ADHD. Children with persistent ASD were over 5 times more likely (OR = 5.72) to have an additional DPC, compared to those with non-persistent ASD. Children with non-persistent ASD may manifest several different DPCs, with an increased rate of ADHD compared to population norms. Children with persistent ASD have higher rates of DPCs than those with non-persistent ASD.

Follow-up care for children diagnosed with ASD at a young age should include assessment for other DPCs.