Study Shows: Autism Diagnosis Not Always Permanent!
Over 60% of Preschoolers with Autism Outgrow Diagnosis by Age 6
40% of Toddlers Diagnosed with Autism No Longer Have It by Age 6
Not all children diagnosed with autism as toddlers continue to have that diagnosis once they reach elementary school, according to a new study. While this may sound surprising, it turns out that a whopping 37% of these toddlers no longer met the criteria for the condition by the age of 6. It’s like turning a colorful butterfly back into a regular caterpillar!
“I think what this shows is the importance of continuing to get developmental follow-up for all children with a young diagnosis of ASD, said lead study author Dr. Elizabeth Harstad, a developmental pediatrician at Boston Children’s Hospital.”I don’t want these findings to imply that losing the diagnosis is the best outcome. Children can have a range of wonderful outcomes whether or not they have the diagnosis.”
Harstad wanted to study the ranges of outcomes for children after seeing examples of this in her own practice and in other research. It’s like peering into a crystal ball to see what lies ahead for these children, and the results were fascinating!
But before you start celebrating and declaring the end of autism, let’s set the record straight. Just because the diagnosis fades away doesn’t mean the kids then have typical functioning. Some children may still face their share of challenges, including continuing language or communication difficulties, anxiety disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or lower IQ scores. So, it’s like trading one set of symptoms for another.
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The findings also revealed that children with lower levels of adaptive skills for everyday activities were more likely to have autism persist. It’s like a superhero needing a little more training to fully develop their superpowers!
The children in the study received a diagnosis between 12 and 36 months of age and received community-based interventions. Then, between the ages of 5 and 7, they underwent a research diagnosis assessment. It’s like a rollercoaster ride of evaluations and interventions to track their progress.
“It seems that there may be a turning point. Other researchers have suggested a turning point around [age] 6 where children no longer have the symptoms,” Harstad said. It’s like a magical transition where the clouds part and the sun shines on a whole new chapter of these children’s lives!
Now, some skeptics might argue that these kids were initially misdiagnosed. But hold on! The diagnoses in this research were made by a combination of 44 different developmental behavioral pediatricians and psychologists, not just one or a small group. It’s like a jury of experts with different backgrounds and perspectives ensuring accuracy.
“I think our findings suggest that perhaps when behavioral criteria for ASD are applied at such a young age, they’re capturing children with a broad range of function that will go out to have even a broader range of trajectories,” Harstad said. It’s like casting a wide net to catch all the different shades of autism and the unique paths they may take.
Surprisingly, the number of children in whom autism didn’t persist was higher than expected. Maybe it’s because this research used current diagnostic criteria rather than older ones. It’s like upgrading the definition of autism to include a broader spectrum of possibilities!
So, what does all this mean for parents and caregivers? Well, even if their child falls off the spectrum, it doesn’t mean they no longer need support or interventions. They may still require additional assistance throughout their childhood and into adulthood. It’s like putting on a new mask, but still having the same superhero challenges.
In terms of next steps, it’s crucial to continue to assess and monitor autism throughout a child’s development. The study authors emphasized the importance of ongoing evaluation and support. It’s like a compass that guides parents and professionals in navigating the complex journey of autism.
As a final note, remember that early interventions play a significant role in the outcomes for children with autism. So, let’s not skimp on them! It’s like nurturing a sapling to help it grow into a strong and resilient tree.
So, moms, dads, and everyone on this rollercoaster ride, keep seeking developmental support, keep observing those symptoms, and keep believing in the potential of every child. After all, autism may be just one part of their incredible story!
More information:
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more on autism spectrum disorder.
SOURCES: Elizabeth Harstad, MD, MPH, attending physician, developmental medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital; Alycia Halladay, PhD, chief science officer, Autism Science Foundation, Scarsdale, N.Y.; JAMA Pediatrics, Oct. 2, 2023, online
