Identifier

etd-03092015-105146

Degree

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Psychology

Document Type

Thesis

Abstract

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in social communication and the presence of restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior or interests. The onset of ASD symptomology occurs prior to 30 months of age; however, typical diagnosis is made at 3 to 4 years old. Early identification of ASD is imperative for more effective treatment and a bettered prognosis. The evaluation and treatment of ASD is complicated by high rates of comorbid psychopathology. When an individual presents with ASD and a co-occurring disorder, symptoms may manifest differently. Utilizing the Baby and Infant Screen for Children with aUtIsm Traits (BISCUIT) and the Battelle Developmental Inventory, Second Edition (BDI-2), the current study explored the relationship of comorbid symptoms to socialization impairment in infants and toddlers with ASD. Specifically, this study examined the ability for comorbid symptoms to predict social skill impairment beyond the deficits accounted for by ASD symptom severity. Results indicated that although ASD severity significantly predicted social skill impairment, comorbid symptomology did not contribute to the social skill deficits seen in infants and toddlers with ASD. Implications are discussed.

Date

2014

Document Availability at the Time of Submission

Release the entire work immediately for access worldwide.

Committee Chair

Matson, Johnny L.

DOI

10.31390/gradschool_theses.3782

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Psychology Commons

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