# Characterizing Autism Traits in Toddlers with Down Syndrome: Preliminary Associations with Language, Executive Functioning, and Other Developmental Domains

## TL;DR

This study explores how language and motor skills in toddlers with Down syndrome relate to autism traits, highlighting the need for early, comprehensive assessments.

## Contribution

The study identifies preliminary associations between nonverbal developmental skills and autism traits in toddlers with Down syndrome.

## Key findings

- Fewer words and gestures correlate with higher autism trait severity in toddlers with Down syndrome.
- Impaired fine motor and visual reception scores are significantly linked to increased autism traits.
- Executive function domains do not show significant association with autism trait severity.

## Abstract

Children with Down syndrome (DS) show considerable variability in social-communication and cognitive profiles, and a subset meet criteria for co-occurring autism. In the present study, we examined the associations between developmental domains and autistic trait severity in toddlers with DS. Participants included 38 toddlers (M = 4.19 years, SD = 0.99) who completed a home-based assessment, including measures of language, fine motor, and visual reception skills. Caregivers also completed standardized questionnaires on communication and executive functioning. Multiple regression analyses tested the degree of association between these developmental domains and autistic traits. Fewer words produced fewer gestures, and more impaired fine motor and visual reception scores were significantly associated with higher autism trait severity, whereas executive function domains were not significantly associated. Preliminary findings indicate that variability in language and nonverbal developmental skills contributes to the expression of autism traits in DS, underscoring the need for early, multidomain assessment approaches to support accurate identification and tailored intervention.