Developmental Functioning of Infants and Toddlers with Autism and Cerebral Palsy

Abstract

Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often have one or more comorbid medical conditions including cerebral palsy (CP). Due to the overlaps between ASD and CP symptomatology (e.g., impairments in speech, repetitive movements, atypical sensory issues), co-occurring CP often leads to delayed diagnoses of ASD interfering with early interventions and subsequently affecting functional outcome. Utilizing the Baby and Infant Screen for Children with aUtIsm Traits-Part 1 (BISCUIT-Part 1) and the Battelle Developmental Inventory, Second Edition (BDI-2), this study assessed and compared ASD symptomatology and developmental functioning in three groups of infants and toddlers, namely, those with ASD only, those with CP only, and those with comorbid ASD and CP. Results of the current study revealed significant group differences were found in both BISCUIT-Part 1 and BDI-2 total scores. Significant differences were also found in all BISCUIT-Part 1 domains and BDI-2 personal-social and motor domains. Interpretation and implication of the study findings are discussed.