Aim: The objective of this study was to study the clinical outcome of ASD (autistic spectrum disorder) based on the initial level of intelligence and the age at diagnosis.

Method: A retrospective study was conducted on 56 children from development clinic of Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, extending from period of Jan 2004 to June 2005. These children were diagnosed as autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) on the basis of criteria laid down by the DSM IV. IQ (Intelligence quotient) / DQ (Developmental quotient) of the children were assessed at the time of diagnosis using Stanford Binet or Bayley scale of infant development (BSID) respectively. Childhood rating scale (CARS) was done to quantify the problem at the time of diagnosis and after one year of intensive behaviour modification and speech therapy. The CARS score were compared with age at the time of diagnosis and IQ/DQ of the child using T test or Mann-whitney test.

Results: Out of 56 ASD children, 89.2% were male. The mean age of these children were 45.3mon (21.7-96.5 mon SD 23.8). The mean IQ/DQ was 0.67 (0.25-1.06 SD 0.30). Total 64.2% had IQ/DQ> 70 and 35.8% had IQ/DQ <70. CARS Score showed significant fall after intensive treatment in children with lower age and higher IQ (IQ> 70).

Conclusion: The data shows the clinical outcome of ASD on the basis of 2 parameters i.e. age and level of intelligence. The lower the age and higher the IQ/DQ at the time of diagnosis, better is the outcome. This model, if replicated in a prospective, population-based sample that is controlled for treatment modalities, will enhance our ability to offer a prognosis for the child with ASD.

Childhood Disablity Update 2005 - Conference Abstracts.Pediatric Oncall [serial online] 2006 [cited 15 January 2006(Supplement 1)];3. Available from:
http://www.pediatriconcall.com/fordoctor/Conference_abstracts/
Autistic_Spectrum_Disorder.asp