Detecting subgroups in children diagnosed with pervasive developmental disorder - not otherwise specified

J Autism Dev Disord. 2015 May;45(5):1329-44. doi: 10.1007/s10803-014-2295-3.

Abstract

Hierarchical cluster analyses were used to detect three subgroups in a sample of children with pervasive developmental disorder--not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) evaluated at ages 2 and 4. At age 2, Cluster 1 demonstrated few autism symptoms and high cognitive scores; 60% no longer met criteria for PDD at 4. Cluster 2 exhibited more autism symptoms and lower cognitive scores at 2; 89.5% met criteria for ASD at 4. Cluster 3 had the lowest cognitive scores and most impaired social/communication skills at 2, but no repetitive behaviors; 60% diagnosed with Autistic Disorder at 4. Results shed light on outcomes for different PDD-NOS types and raise questions regarding the increased importance of repetitive behaviors in DSM-5.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Age Factors
  • Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / complications
  • Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / diagnosis*
  • Child, Preschool
  • Cluster Analysis
  • Compulsive Behavior / complications
  • Compulsive Behavior / diagnosis*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales / statistics & numerical data
  • Social Behavior Disorders / complications
  • Social Behavior Disorders / diagnosis*