63947
document
Two to ten years : developmental trajectories of joint attention in children with ASD who received targeted social communication interventions . This study follows 40 children who were participants in a randomized controlled early intervention trial ( Kasari et al . ) from early childhood ( 2-5 years of age ) to elementary school age ( 8-10 years ) . To fully utilize the available longitudinal data , the general linear mixed model was the primary analytical approach . The growth trajectories of joint attention skills ( pointing , coordinated joint looking , and showing ) and expressive language outcomes in these children were estimated based on five time points during the measurement period . The children were grouped by diagnosis at the last follow-up ( autism , autism spectrum disorder ( ASD ) , no diagnosis ) and by their original treatment group assignment ( joint attention , symbolic play , control ) , and differences between these groups were evaluated . Results showed that joint attention skills of coordinated joint looking and showing increased over time , and pointing to share interest increased over the first year measured and decreased thereafter . These trajectories were influenced by both original treatment assignment and diagnostic status at follow-up . In addition , a cross-lagged panel analysis revealed a causal relationship between early pointing and later language development . This study highlights the longitudinal and developmental importance of measures of early core deficits in autism , and suggests that both treatment and ASD symptomatology may influence growth in these skills over time .
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Intervention_Educational
targeted social communication interventions
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Outcome_Mental
joint attention skills ( pointing , coordinated joint looking , and showing )
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Outcome_Mental
expressive language outcomes
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Outcome_Mental
joint attention skills
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Participant_Age
children
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Participant_Condition
ASD
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Participant_Condition
received targeted social communication interventions
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Participant_Sample-size
40
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Participant_Age
children
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Participant_Condition
randomized controlled early intervention
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Participant_Age
from early childhood ( 2-5 years of age ) to elementary school age ( 8-10 years )