The temperament features associated with autism spectrum disorder in childhood: A systematic review

Carly A Mallise; Alison E Lane; Alix J Woolard; Olivia M Whalen; Vanessa E Murphy; Frini Karayanidis; Linda E Campbell

doi:10.1016/j.ridd.2020.103711

The temperament features associated with autism spectrum disorder in childhood: A systematic review

Res Dev Disabil. 2020 Sep:104:103711. doi: 10.1016/j.ridd.2020.103711. Epub 2020 Jun 26.

Authors

Carly A Mallise¹, Alison E Lane², Alix J Woolard¹, Olivia M Whalen¹, Vanessa E Murphy³, Frini Karayanidis⁴, Linda E Campbell⁵

Affiliations

¹ School of Psychology, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia; Priority Research Centre GrowUpWell®, University of Newcastle, Australia.
² Priority Research Centre GrowUpWell®, University of Newcastle, Australia; School of Health Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia.
³ Priority Research Centre GrowUpWell®, University of Newcastle, Australia; VIVA (Viruses, Infections/Immunity, Vaccines and Asthma) Research Group, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, Australia.
⁴ School of Psychology, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia; Priority Research Centre for Stroke and Brain Injury, University of Newcastle, Australia.
⁵ School of Psychology, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia; Priority Research Centre GrowUpWell®, University of Newcastle, Australia. Electronic address: linda.e.campbell@newcastle.edu.au.

PMID: 32599501
DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2020.103711

Abstract

Background: Temperament is an important construct that shapes child development. Temperament is suggested to present differently in different groups, such as children with neurodevelopmental disorders. However, it is not known whether there are specific temperament features associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Aim: This systematic review aimed to synthesise extant literature to determine whether there are temperament features associated with ASD in infancy, toddlerhood and childhood.

Methods and procedures: Following the PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews, we searched PsycINFO, CINAHL, Academic Search Ultimate and ProQuest for all available articles from database conception until January 2020. The Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal checklists were used to assess the methodological quality of included articles.

Outcomes and results: Twenty-six articles met the selection criteria: (1) reported on the temperament of children (0-12 years of age) diagnosed with ASD, (2) peer-reviewed; and (3) published in English. Articles varied in overall methodological quality. Infants later diagnosed with ASD were found to more frequently be described as having 'easy' temperament features in early infancy, compared to typically developing infants and infants with developmental concerns but not ASD. Once diagnosed, children with ASD were reported to, as a group, display more negative affect, less extraversion and less effortful control than typically developing children.

Conclusions and implications: The literature suggests that more challenging temperament features are associated with ASD in childhood, but less is known about within group variability. Overall, this review highlights the need for further investigation into the variability of temperament in children with ASD.

Keywords: Autism spectrum disorder; Childhood; Individual differences; Infancy; Systematic review; Temperament.

Publication types

Systematic Review

MeSH terms

Autism Spectrum Disorder*
Child
Child Development
Humans
Infant
Neurodevelopmental Disorders*
Temperament