Symptoms of Autism, Comorbid Mental Health Conditions and Challenging Behaviors among Toddlers with Down Syndrome at Low Risk for ASD-Characterization Using the BISCUIT-Parts 1-3.

Alicja Niedźwiecka,Ewa Pisula

doi:10.3390/ijerph182010684

Abstract

Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may coexist with Down syndrome (DS). Most studies on this topic involve school-age children, adolescents, or adults with DS. This study looked at ASD symptoms, other mental health problems, and challenging behaviors in toddlers with DS at low risk of ASD. Methods: We used screening tools for autism in toddlers; BISCUIT–Parts 1–3 and Q-CHAT. We compared four groups of children aged 17–37 months: DS, ASD, Atypical Development (AD), and Typically Developing (TD). Results: Children with DS showed lower symptoms of ASD than children with ASD (without DS) and higher than TD children, except for repetitive behaviors/restricted interests. For comorbid mental health problems and difficult behaviors, children with DS scored lower than children with ASD. There were no differences between children with DS and TD children in this regard. Conclusions: The study results indicate that BISCUIT–Parts 1–3 are valid instruments to differentiate toddlers with DS from toddlers with ASD. However, they also show that toddlers with DS at low ASD risk are a very heterogeneous group when the ASD symptoms are considered. Autistic characteristics should be taken into account in supporting young children with this genetic condition.

Highlights

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by early-onset socio-communication difficulties and restricted patterns of behavior, activity, and interests [1,2]
The study results indicate that BISCUIT–Parts 1–3 are valid instruments to differentiate toddlers with Down syndrome (DS) from toddlers with ASD
We found lower severity of the symptoms of ASD as well as symptoms other mental health conditions and challenging behaviors in toddlers with DS than in toddlers with ASD

Summary

Introduction

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by early-onset socio-communication difficulties and restricted patterns of behavior, activity, and interests [1,2]. Less effectively than typically developing peers, they read facial expressions, body language, and other non-verbal signals crucial for communication with others These difficulties are accompanied by limited, repetitive, and schematic ways of using objects, narrow, intense interests, and usually atypical sensory sensitivity [4]. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may coexist with Down syndrome (DS) Most studies on this topic involve school-age children, adolescents, or adults with DS. Conclusions: The study results indicate that BISCUIT–Parts 1–3 are valid instruments to differentiate toddlers with DS from toddlers with ASD.

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