Correlations between autism spectrum disorders and childhood apraxia of speech. (13th April 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cabral, C.; Fernandes, F.
• Is Part Of: European psychiatry. Volume 64:Supplement 1(2021)
• Page Start: S209
• Page End: S209
• Publication Date: 2021-04-13
• Subjects: autism -- apraxia -- Children -- language; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; Mental illness -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 616.89
• DOI: 10.1192/j.eurpsy.2021.557
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0924-9338

Abstract

Abstract : Introduction: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a neurodevelopmental disorder, characterized by inabilities in communication and social interaction. ¹ Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) is a neurological disorder in which the consistency and precision of speech movements are impaired, in the absence of neuromuscular deficits. 2 Research indicates that children with ASD do not have a higher prevalence of CAS. 3 It is suggested that comorbid ASD and CAS would be expected to be extremely rare. Objectives: Verify the occurrence of CAS in children with ASD. Methods: The study included 22 children diagnosed with ASD aged between 4 and 8 years, who were undergoing speech therapy at a specialized health service and their therapists. The test was applied by the therapists Differential Assessment of Autism and Other Developmental Disorders (DAADD) 4, divides into six areas of development: language, pragmatic, sensory, motor, physical and behavioral to differentiate and diagnose disorders of neurological origin. Results: Among the 22 children participating in the research, 20 did not score the item apraxia. Only two children were referred with apraxia and twelve had receptive language and pre-academic skills proportional to their age. Of 22 participants, only three were overly excited for verbal productions. Conclusions: The analyzes of data suggests that the occurrence of CAS in children with ASD is low and underlying the disorder.