J Korean Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry.  2023 Jan;34(1):51-56. 10.5765/jkacap.220029.

Loss of Acquired Skills: Regression in Young Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders

• Kim YR
• Song DY
• Bong G
• Han JH
• Yoo HJ

• KMID: 2537807
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5765/jkacap.220029

Abstract

Objectives
Regression, while not a core symptom of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), has been suggested to be a distinct subtype by previous studies. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the prevalence and clinical differences between those with and without regression in children with ASD.
Methods
This study includes data from toddlers and young children aged 2–7 years acquired from other projects at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital. The presence and characteristics of regression were explored using question items #11–28 from the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised. Chi-square and independent t-tests were used to compare various clinical measurements such as autistic symptoms, adaptative behavior, intelligence, and perinatal factors.
Results
Data from 1438 young children (1020 with ASD) were analyzed. The overall prevalence rate of regression, which was mainly related to language-related skills, was 10.2% in the ASD group, with an onset age of 24 months. Regarding clinical characteristics, patients with ASD and regression experienced ASD symptoms, especially restricted and repetitive interests and behaviors, with greater severity than those without regression. Furthermore, there were significant associations between regression and hypertension/placenta previa.
Conclusion
In-depth surveillance and proactive interventions targeted at young children with ASD and regression should focus on autistic symptoms and other areas of functioning.

Keyword

Autism spectrum disorder; Regression; Clinical characteristics