Rate of Development in Young Autistic Children

Prior research on rate of development in young autistic children has resulted in inconsistent findings. Some investigators suggest that early development follows an erratic, “lag‐spurt” course, whereas others conclude that rate of development in young autists is actually very stable. This study examined 15 preschool‐aged autistic children, over the course of a nursery school year, to determine the degree of stability in their rates of development. Perceptual‐performance skills, language skills, motor skills, and personal‐social skills were measured by the Gesell Developmental Examination. Although rates of development were significantly different across skill areas (p < 0.001), there was a high degree of stability over time within each area (p < 0.01).