Autistic regression is a phenomenon where a child experiences a loss of previously acquired developmental skills, most often involving language and social abilities. For parents, observing this change can be concerning, but it is a known aspect of development for a subset of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This condition is defined within the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) as a component of ASD. Understanding this process is the first step toward seeking appropriate support and intervention.
Recognizing the Signs of Regression
The loss of communication skills is one of the most prominent indicators of autistic regression. A child who was once babbling or using single words like “mama” or “dada” may become silent. Previously acquired simple phrases might disappear from their vocabulary, and this change can be accompanied by a new difficulty in understanding communication from others.
A decline in social engagement is another significant sign. A child might stop making eye contact, no longer smile at caregivers, or cease responding to their own name. Social games that were once enjoyed, such as peek-a-boo, may no longer elicit a reaction. A child might also stop using social gestures they had learned, such as waving goodbye, and show a general lack of interest in interacting with others.
Changes in play and motor skills are also common. A child might lose the ability to point at objects to show interest or communicate a need, and imitating actions may also cease. There can be a decline in how a child plays with toys, shifting from functional play to more repetitive actions. Previously mastered self-care tasks, like helping with dressing, may also diminish. These signs of regression can manifest either suddenly or over a more gradual period.
Typical Age of Onset and Frequency
The onset of autistic regression occurs in early childhood, with parents reporting these changes between 15 and 30 months of age. The peak period for this shift is between 18 and 24 months. The average age when parents first report a loss of skills is approximately 19 to 20 months old.
This experience is a recognized pattern in a portion of children diagnosed with ASD. Meta-analyses indicate that autistic regression affects approximately 30% to 32% of children on the autism spectrum. Some studies show this figure can range from 20% to 40%, depending on how regression is defined.
The most frequently reported skill loss involves language. Studies suggest that around 25% of children with autism experience a specific loss of language skills. While the loss of social abilities is also common, the disappearance of spoken words is often the most distinct sign. The vast majority of these regressions happen before a child reaches three years of age.
Scientific Understanding of Causes
The scientific reasons for autistic regression are not yet fully understood, and research into its mechanisms is ongoing. Current theories suggest the causes are multifaceted, involving a complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors. No single cause has been identified, as it is believed that different factors may contribute to the phenomenon in different individuals.
One area of investigation focuses on genetics and early brain development. A strong genetic influence exists, with specific gene mutations like CHD8, SHANK3, and SYNGAP1 being linked to a higher likelihood of regression. Another theory involves neuroinflammation, suggesting regression could be related to an atypical immune response affecting the central nervous system. Studies have noted that families of children with regression have a higher prevalence of autoimmune conditions, such as autoimmune thyroiditis.
It is important to address the disproven link between vaccines and autism. The 1998 study suggesting this connection was fraudulent, retracted by its publisher, and the author’s medical license was revoked. Numerous large-scale scientific studies have since found no evidence of a link between any vaccine, or any vaccine ingredient, and the development of ASD. Major health organizations, including the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), confirm that vaccines do not cause autism.
Navigating Diagnosis and Early Intervention
Parents who notice signs of regression should document the changes and consult with their child’s pediatrician. A detailed record of which skills were lost and when they occurred provides valuable information. The pediatrician can perform an initial assessment and will likely provide a referral to specialists for a more comprehensive evaluation. This team may include a developmental pediatrician, a child neurologist, or a child psychologist.
The formal evaluation involves gathering a detailed medical and developmental history from parents and direct observation of the child’s behavior. Clinicians may use standardized diagnostic tools, such as the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS), to assess social communication and play skills. This comprehensive assessment is intended to confirm the presence of regression and rule out other potential causes for the skill loss.
Early and intensive intervention is the most effective approach for a child who has experienced autistic regression. A young child’s brain has a high degree of plasticity, meaning it is more adaptable, which makes interventions started at a young age particularly beneficial. Therapies such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), speech therapy, and occupational therapy are commonly recommended to help a child regain lost abilities and learn new skills.