Developmental Processes, Trajectories, and Predictors of Outcome in a Longitudinal Cohort

PI: Fred Volkmar, M.D.
Co-PI: Katherine Tsatsanis, Ph.D.
Project Coordinator: Stephanie Huckins, M.S.W.

Purpose

In this study, we aim to assess syndrome expression, trajectories of development, and predictors of outcome in autism spectrum disorders. Children who were first identified with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) at 2 years of age and re-assessed at 4 years of age are now seen at 8 to 9 years of age in this project, yielding in total three developmental points in time in a very well-characterized group of children with ASD.

Significance

The significance of this study is multifold. Identifying processes in early childhood that contribute to outcome may suggest guidelines and priorities for early intervention services provided to children with autism. Additionally, the type of information obtained in this study has clinical relevance with regard to providing prognostic information to families and an understanding of continuities and change in syndrome expression over time. This study further distinguishes itself from other follow up studies for the use of innovative methodologies that provide a unique opportunity to directly assess in a quantitative manner the impact of underlying processes on social functioning.

Enrollment

This study does not have open enrollment. Families are contacted if their child was previously evaluated as part of our NAAR/CPEA and STAART Center protocols.

Contacts

Stephanie Huckins
(203) 785-2874
stephanie.huckins@yale.edu