Longitudinal Studies

Dr. Catherine Lord and her research team have conducted longitudinal studies of children referred for possible autism at very early ages (under age 3) for more than 10 years. The children involved in this project are from North Carolina and Chicago, and were referred to the University of Chicago or one of the regional TEACCH Centers in North Carolina for a diagnostic evaluation. These studies included children who were referred for possible autism, as well as children with other developmental disorders. The original purposes of this study were to determine the extent to which autism could be diagnosed in very young children, identify the most effective diagnostic procedures for the age groups, and describe the factors that predict outcome in children with Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD). To accomplish these goals, children were assessed approximately every year, using a standardized battery of psychological, observational and interview scales.

UMACC has recently received additional funding from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) to continue to follow the North Carolina and Chicago children for another five years. Over the next 5 years, Dr. Lord's team will follow the original children referred for autism and those with developmental disorders through their adolescent and teenage years. The purpose of this study is to look at the relationship between the behavior changes in adolescence, puberty, and onset of seizures. It has long been recognized that children with autism have an increased risk of the development of seizures during adolescence (occurring in about 20-25% of autistic populations). The present study will investigate the relationship between seizures and behavior. In addition, a group at Yale University has begun a similar project with two-year olds in collaboration with Dr. Lord. This will provide a valuable opportunity to compare data.

This study has recently begun recruiting additional participants. Children seen through clinics at the University of Michigan and the University of Chicago, who are now between 10 and 14 years of age, are currently being asked if they wish to participate. Findings from the original study have resulted in important information regarding methods of diagnosing autism in very young children and characteristics of very young children with autism.

Contact Person:
Deb Anderson, Research Associate
um.autism@umich.edu
734.936.8600

This study has approval from the University of Michigan Institutional Review Board (Health Sciences IRB H03 00000496 R1)