Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a highly prevalent and impairing neurodevelopmental disorder that affects 1&#x2009;:&#x2009;54 persons. Over the last several decades, the reported incidence of ASD in the US has increased potentially due to increased awareness and improved diagnostic measurement. Although ASD prevalence is increasing, the etiology of ASD remains relatively unknown. To better understand the neurological basis of ASD, rodent models of ASD have been developed for research. Currently, there is not a standardized set of behavioral tests to quantify ASD-like behavior in rodents. The goal of this review is to present an overview of the methodologies used to analyze ASD-like behaviors in rodents, focusing on the valproic acid (VPA) model, and illustrate inconsistencies between different approaches. Despite that the in utero VPA rodent model for ASD is widely used and extensively characterized, behaviors vary substantially between different researchers. Moving forward, consistency in behavioral method analytics would benefit progress in evaluating interventions for all models of ASD and help to uncover unique qualities underlying mechanisms causing ASD signs and symptoms.

Olivia Larner

Jane Roberts

Jeffery Twiss

Linnea Freeman

A Need for Consistency in Behavioral Phenotyping for ASD: Analysis of the Valproic Acid Model

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a lifelong neurodevelopmental disorder that consists of difficulties with social communication and language, as well as the presence of restricted and repetitive behaviors. These deficits tend to present in early childhood and usually lead to impairments in functioning across various settings. Moreover, these deficits have been shown to negatively impact adaptive behavior and functioning. Thus, early diagnosis and intervention is vital for future success within this population. The purpose of this study was to further examine the subscales that comprise the adaptive behavior section of the Bayley&#xae;-III to determine which of the ten subscales are predictive of ASD in young children (i.e., &#x2264; three years of age). A retrospective file review of 273 children participating in Kentucky&#x2019;s early intervention program, First Steps, was completed. The children ranged in age from 18 to 35 months. A binary logistic regression was used to assess the subscales that comprise the adaptive behavior of the section of the Bayley&#xae;-III to determine which of the ten subscales are predictive of ASD in young children (i.e., &#x2264; three years of age). The results indicated that individual lower raw scores in communication, community use, functional preacademics, home living, health and safety, leisure, self-care, self-direction, and social subscales were predictive of an autism diagnosis.

Emma Feige

Rhonda Mattingly

Teresa Pitts

Alan F. Smith

Autism Spectrum Disorder: Investigating Predictive Adaptive Behavior Skill Deficits in Young Children

About this journal

Autism Research and Treatment publishes original research articles, review articles, and clinical studies related to all aspects of autism.

Journal profile

Meet the editorial board

Autism Research and Treatment maintains an Editorial Board of practicing researchers from around the world, to ensure manuscripts are handled by editors who are experts in the field of study.

Editor spotlight

Submit your proposal

Do you think there is an emerging area of research that really needs to be highlighted? Or an existing research area that has been overlooked or would benefit from deeper investigation? Raise the profile of a research area by leading a Special Issue.

Autism Research and Treatment

Table of Contents

Table of Contents: 2021

A Need for Consistency in Behavioral Phenotyping for ASD: Analysis of the Valproic Acid Model

Autism Spectrum Disorder: Investigating Predictive Adaptive Behavior Skill Deficits in Young Children