RESUMEN
Several studies have described problems in motor functions in children with autism and children with a specific speech and language disorder. The purpose of this study was to identify neuromotor deficits in these neurodevelopmentally impaired children. A standardised neurological examination was performed in 11 children with childhood autism, 11 children with an expressive language disorder, 11 children with a receptive language disorder and 11 control children. The children were matched for age and non-verbal IQ, not for gender. All children had a non-verbal IQ above 85. The neurological examination procedure allowed for a qualitative and quantitative assessment of five specific neurological subsystems: fine and gross motor functions, balance, coordination and oral motor functions. The high-functioning children with autism and the children with a specific language disorder (expressive or receptive) had more motor problems than the control children on most neurological subsystems. There were few statistically significant differences between the three groups of developmentally impaired children. The frequent co-occurrence of verbal and non-verbal, in particular neuromotor, deficits in developmentally impaired children put an additional burden on the development of these children and should be diagnosed as early as possible.
Asunto(s)
Trastorno Autístico/complicaciones , Encéfalo/fisiopatología , Trastornos del Lenguaje/complicaciones , Trastornos Psicomotores , Trastornos del Habla/complicaciones , Niño , Femenino , Lateralidad Funcional/fisiología , Humanos , Masculino , Trastornos Psicomotores/complicaciones , Trastornos Psicomotores/diagnóstico , Trastornos Psicomotores/fisiopatología , Índice de Severidad de la EnfermedadRESUMEN
Children with autism and children with a severe specific receptive language disorder show clear deficits in communicative language skills and social relationships. In this study the usefulness of a standardized parent interview (ADI-R) and a standardized observation schedule (ADOS-G) for the differential diagnosis of these two groups was assessed. Eleven children with early infantile autism and 16 children with a specific receptive language disorder participated. The parent interview was conducted with all parents and the observation schedule was administered to all children. Ten out of 11 children with autism were correctly classified as having autism on the ADI-R and the ADOS-G. One child with a receptive language disorder was falsely classified as having autism on the ADI-R, and none on the ADOS-G. Parent interview provides extensive information on the developmental course of the child. Direct observation gives an overview of actual relevant behavioural problems. The two instruments are complementary in the diagnosis of developmental disorders.