Evidence supports the dimensionality of autistic traits, internalising and externalising traits, dysregulation, and competence. The paper presents the preliminary results of the simultaneous application of the Quantitative-CHecklist for Autism in Toddlers and the Infant Toddler Social Emotional Assessment on 361 mothers of 18–36-month-old toddlers. The associations between the study's variables were controlled for toddlers’ age and sex. In addition, the associations between the study's variables and the child's age were explored and controlled by socio-demographic features. Sex differences were investigated. The potential relationship between ATs and internalising and externalising traits, dysregulation, and competence was examined and controlled by socio-demographic features. The cross-sectional association between the child's age and the study's variables was supported: The results revealed that older toddlers showed fewer autistic traits and greater competence than younger ones. Autistic traits, externalising traits, and dysregulation were more prevalent in boys, while the competence domain was higher in girls. Findings suggest the importance of evaluating these traits and domains since infancy and toddlerhood in the general population to detect toddlers with an increased likelihood of autism, as well as those with subthreshold scores.
Association between the autistic traits, internalising and externalising traits, dysregulation, and competence in 18-36-months toddlers
Levante A.
;Martis C.;Duma L.;Lecciso F.
2025-01-01
Abstract
Evidence supports the dimensionality of autistic traits, internalising and externalising traits, dysregulation, and competence. The paper presents the preliminary results of the simultaneous application of the Quantitative-CHecklist for Autism in Toddlers and the Infant Toddler Social Emotional Assessment on 361 mothers of 18–36-month-old toddlers. The associations between the study's variables were controlled for toddlers’ age and sex. In addition, the associations between the study's variables and the child's age were explored and controlled by socio-demographic features. Sex differences were investigated. The potential relationship between ATs and internalising and externalising traits, dysregulation, and competence was examined and controlled by socio-demographic features. The cross-sectional association between the child's age and the study's variables was supported: The results revealed that older toddlers showed fewer autistic traits and greater competence than younger ones. Autistic traits, externalising traits, and dysregulation were more prevalent in boys, while the competence domain was higher in girls. Findings suggest the importance of evaluating these traits and domains since infancy and toddlerhood in the general population to detect toddlers with an increased likelihood of autism, as well as those with subthreshold scores.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
