Development of the Younger Siblings of Children with Autism in Srinagarind Hospital

Abstract

_{ABSTRACT
Objective: To study the development of the younger siblings of children with autism in Srinagarind hospital. Khon kean,Thailand.
Methods: A retrospective descriptive was conducted. Samples were medical records of 31 younger siblings of children with autism who visiting to child psychiatric outpatient clinic at Srinagarind hospital during January 2009-June 2010. Measurement of child development used Denver developmental screening test (Denver II), for aged between
0-6 year old with 4 domains of assessment as personal and self help, fine motor, language and gross motor development. This instrument was used by a special nurse who be trained to apply and recorded the results in the medical records.
Results: of 31 younger siblings from 31 children with autism, age from 13 months to 5 years, 18 boys and 13 girls. There were 14 of 31 siblings (45.16%) having delayed development. Only 19.35%: (6/31: 5 boys, 1 girl) had three domains delayed (fine motor, language and social domains), other 19.36% (6/31: 3 boys, 3 girls) had two domain delayed (social and language domains) and 6.45% (2/31: 2 boys) had only delay language domains. During follow up period there was 35.71% (5/14: 5 boys) being diagnosed to childhood autism.
Conclusion: The younger siblings had delayed development equal as 45.16% particularly in language domain and predominately in boys.}