Doctor of Philosophy

dissertationSeveral studies have compared the outcomes of children with and without language regression; however, no studies to date provide outcome data investigating the early effect of language regression on adult outcomes. This study compared current adult functioning of individuals who were diagnosed with autism during childhood and reported to have language regression to those without reported language regression. Thirty-year follow-up data for participants with early childhood language regression were available for 118 participants in the follow-up study. Outcome measures included standardized assessments of diagnostic status, cognitive ability, and adaptive behavior. Demographic variables, indicators of independence, social relationships, medical and psychiatric conditions, and social service use were also recorded. Adult outcome results for children with and without language regression suggest that despite language regression occurring in 34% of children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, this occurrence does not affect later adult outcomes in comparison to those without language regression. This information is compelling, suggesting that while language regression can be devastating for children with ASD and their families, the potential adult outcomes are similar to those without reported language regression