| Objective: To compare and analyze the characteristics about joint attention of autism spectrum disorder and language retardation children. Methods: Thirty-one children with autism spectrum disorders, 21 children with language retardation and 7 normal children were recruited. Using Early Social Communication Scale (ESCS) and Development and Diagnosis Scale of Gesell, the joint attention ability and developmental age of all subjects were assessed. Result: There was significant difference between normal group and autism group in the index of Low Level and High Level Responding and Initiating Joint Attention abilities (P<0.05), and there was significant difference between normal group and language retardation group in the index of Eye Contact and High Level of Initiating Joint Attention abilities (P<0.05). Between language retardation group and autism group, there was significant difference in the index of Eye Contact, Point, Show, Low and High Level Responding Joint Attention abilities (P<0.05). Additionally, the abilities of High Level Responding Joint Attention, Alternate and Point were the independent differences projects of autism group and language retardation group. Conclusion: Children with autism spectrum disorder are significantly flawed in Low Level and High Level Responding and Initiating Joint Attention abilities, while language retardation children are mainly flawed in Eye Contact ability. In addition, the abilities of High Level Responding Joint Attention, Alternate and Point are the independent differences projects of autism group and language retardation group. Therefore, we may use them to distinguish these two kinds of children preliminarily in clinical practice. |
