Differences in communication skills in toddlers diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder according to the DSM-IV-TR and the DSM-5

Abstract The DSM-5 changes related to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are controversial, and much research is needed to determine possible implications of the diagnostic changes on early diagnosis and treatment for those with symptoms of the disorder. In the present study, the area of communication was examined, specifically related to the effect the DSM-5 changes have on scores of Expressive and Receptive communication in a sample of 3138 at-risk toddlers using the Battelle Developmental Inventory, Second Edition . Significant differences were not found in overall communication or Expressive Communication between toddlers who longer meet ASD criteria ( n  = 354) and those who continue to meet the new criteria ( n  = 486); a difference of only small effect size was found in Receptive communication. The toddlers who no longer met the new criteria represented a population of toddlers who were significantly more impaired than atypically developing peers who did not meet ASD criteria under either version of the DSM ( n  = 2298), with moderate effect sizes found in receptive, expressive, and overall communication. Importantly, results of the current study demonstrate that toddlers who no longer meet criteria do not differ from toddlers who continue to meet ASD criteria in their Expressive Communication, a common area of first concern noted by parents, and an area that is focused on during early intervention.