Characterization of regression in a clinically referred sample of children and adolescents with autism or other developmental delays.

This Mexican study looked at children who lost skills they had already learned (called 'regression'). Nearly half of children diagnosed with autism experienced regression, compared to 28% of children with other developmental delays. Language and social skills were most commonly lost, typically around age 2. Boys with autism who experienced regression showed more severe autism symptoms, especially in social areas and sensory sensitivities.

This study examined developmental regression in Mexican children referred for clinical assessment due to developmental concerns. Researchers used standardized interviews and DSM-5 criteria to diagnose autism spectrum disorder (ASD) versus other developmental delays (DD). Regression occurred significantly more frequently in children with ASD (48%) compared to those with other developmental delays (28%). Language and social regression were both more common in the ASD group.

The average age of language regression was 24 months across both groups. Children with ASD who experienced regression showed more severe symptoms in social communication and repetitive behaviors compared to non-regressing peers. Boys with ASD regression demonstrated particularly high rates of social-emotional difficulties and sensory sensitivities.

Regression, particularly in language and social domains around age 24 months, may serve as an important diagnostic indicator for ASD. Clinicians should systematically assess for regression history during evaluations. Boys with regression history may require more intensive intervention targeting social communication and sensory processing difficulties.

Sample size not reported. Study type unclear. Limited to clinically-referred Mexican population which may not generalize to other populations or community samples. Cross-sectional design cannot establish causation. Reliance on retrospective parent reports of regression may introduce recall bias.

Regression is a common symptom of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but its prevalence in low or middle-income countries is unknown. This study characterizes regression in a large sample of Mexican children whose parents sought a clinical assessment after having concerns about their child's development. Certified professionals in the use of a semi-structured standardized interview for ASD assigned the diagnosis based on DSM-5 criteria. Regression was more frequent in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) compared to those with other developmental delays (DD) (48.01% vs. 28.0%, p < 0.001), specifically Language (ASD = 37.7% vs.

DD = 27%, p = 0.047), and Social regression (ASD = 21.8% vs. DD = 7%, p = 0.001). The mean age of language regression was 24 months (SD = 12.3) in both groups. The ASD regressor group showed higher mean significant scores in Socio Communication and Restrictive and Repetitive Behavior domains vs.

ASD non-regressors. Boys in the ASD regressor group show a higher frequency of deficits in socio-emotional reciprocity and hypo/hypersensitive symptoms. Regression is a common symptom in ASD, and specifically in boys, confers higher severity of ASD symptoms.