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The prevalence of autistic spectrum disorders in adolescents with a history of specific language impairment (SLI).
Conti-Ramsden GM, Simkin Z, Botting NF
Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry. 2006;47:6:621-628.
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Abstract
Background: Traditionally autism and specific language impairment (SLI) have been regarded as distinct disorders but more recently, evidence has been put forward for a closer link between them: a common set of language problems in particular receptive language difficulties and the existence of intermediate cases including pragmatic language impairment. The present study aimed to examine the prevalence of autism spectrum disorders in a large sample of adolescents with a history of SLI. Method: The presence of autism spectrum disorders was examined in seventy six 14 year olds with a confirmed history of SLI. A variety of instruments were employed including the ADI-R, the ADOS and the Family History Interview (FHI). In addition, pragmatic ability at 11 years was examined in relation to autism diagnosis as measured by the Children’s Communication Checklist. Results: The prevalence of autism spectrum disorders in young people with SLI was found to be 3.9%, about 10 times what would be expected from the general population. In addition, a much larger number of young people with a history of SLI showed only some autism spectrum symptoms or showed them in a mild form. Pragmatic difficulties and autism symptomatology were not entirely associated. There were clear cases of young people with pragmatic language disorders without autism. Conclusions: Young people with SLI have an increased risk of autism. The magnitude of this risk is very similar to the increased risk experienced by siblings of autistic individuals. In addition, a larger proportion (a quarter of individuals) present with a number of behaviours consistent with autism spectrum disorders.