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Examining IQ among a clinical sample of preschool children with autism spectrum disorder over time

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 September 2013

M. Barry ,
A. Moran ,
M. Anglim ,
E. V. Conway  and
S. Guerin
M. Barry*
Affiliation:
Senior Clinical Psychologist, Department of Psychology, Temple StreetChildren's University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
A. Moran
Affiliation:
Research Psychologist, Department of Psychology, Temple Street Children's University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
M. Anglim
Affiliation:
Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, Department of Psychiatry, Temple StreetChildren's University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
E. V. Conway
Affiliation:
Research Psychologist, Department of Psychology, Temple Street Children's University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
S. Guerin
Affiliation:
Senior Lecturer, Department of Psychology, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
*
*Address for correspondence: M. Barry, St Frances Clinic, Temple Street, Temple Street Children's University Hospital, Dublin 1, Ireland. (Email [email protected])
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Abstract

Background

The cognitive functioning of children who received a diagnosis of autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) during the preschool years was assessed at the time of diagnosis (Time 1) and reassessed, on average, 3 years and 5 months later (Time 2).

Method

A total of 50 children were assessed (76% male, n = 38); the group had an average age of 4 years 3 months at Time 1 and 7 years 8 months at Time 2.

Results

There was a significant positive relationship (r = 0.791, p < 0.01) between the group's Full Scale Intelligence Quotient (FSIQ)/Developmental Quotient (DQ) at Time 1 and at Time 2. Results indicated a significant increase in FSIQ/DQ over time for the total group and for both the High Functioning (IQ ⩾ 70) and Low Functioning (IQ < 70) groups. Of the total samples, 32% showed a clinically significant change in FSIQ/DQ of 15 points or more from Time 1 to Time 2. When age at Time 1 was included as a covariate, no significant difference was identified for change in FSIQ over time. The practical implications of the findings are discussed.

Keywords

Autism spectrum disordercognitive functioningHigh versus LowIQpreschool children
Type
Original Research
Information
Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine , Volume 30 , Issue 3 , September 2013 , pp. 179 - 186
Copyright
Copyright © College of Psychiatrists of Ireland 2013 

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