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Sensory features are included in the diagnostic criteria of autism spectrum disorder, and sensory responsiveness may produce "cascading effects" on later development. However, the relation between early sensory profiles and later skills has yet to be defined. This study aims to characterize sensory subgroups in 116 toddlers at elevated likelihood for autism spectrum disorder and test their association with later autistic traits and diagnosis. We used latent class analyses to assess individual differences across sensory patterns, grouping individuals with similar sensory profiles together. The final model was chosen based on a stepwise procedure, starting with a one-class solution, and then adds one class at a time. The Sensory Profile-2 Questionnaire measured clinical sensory features, and four sensory patterns were evaluated (seeking, avoiding, sensitivity, and registration). We investigated sensory subgroups concerning socio-communication skills and restricted/repetitive behaviors at 24 months and the clinical best-estimate diagnosis at 3 years. A three-class solution was favored, and toddlers can be characterized into three homogeneous sensory groups: low seeking, sensory balanced, and high sensitivity. The results showed that the high sensitivity group showed later socio-communicative difficulties and restricted/repetitive behaviors. Children in this class were those with the highest percentage of diagnosis at 3 years (57.9%). These findings provide new insights into the nature of sensory processing and may have implications for personalized support needs. Early sensory responsiveness may produce cascading effects on later development, but the relation between sensory profiles and autistic diagnosis remains unclear. In a longitudinal sample of toddlers at elevated likelihood for autism, we aimed to characterize sensory subgroups and their association with clinical outcomes later on. Three sensory subgroups were described and early sensory sensitivity plays a significant role in later development and diagnosis. This study supported the importance of examining different levels of sensory patterns to dissect the phenotypic heterogeneity in sensory processing. As sensory differences are associated with later developmental outcomes, these results may be critical when designing intervention needs and support for children at increased likelihood for neurodevelopmental disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a group of rare, congenital skin disorders, characterized by skin fragility and formation of blisters. The gross motor outcomes of children with EB are not known. Objectives: The primary objective of the study was to measure the proportion of gross motor delay in children with EB. The secondary objectives were to measure the difference in gross motor outcomes between EB sub‐types and change in gross motor outcomes over time. Methods: Children with EB, aged between one month and five and a half years of age, attending the Sydney Children's Hospital, Epidermolysis Bullosa Clinic, were eligible. Carers completed Ages and Stages Questionnaires, Third Edition, on behalf of their children. Questionnaires were scored, and outcomes were compared to age‐expected norms. Results: There were 24 participants to complete a questionnaire. Eleven participants completed additional questionnaires over the 24 month study duration. The proportion of children with EB with gross motor delay was greater than age‐expected norms (29.17% vs. 2.5%). The delay occurred in children with recessive dystrophic (80%) and epidermolysis bullosa simplex (33.33%) sub‐types, but not dominant dystrophic (0%). No children with Junctional EB or Kindler EB joined this study. Conclusions: This study demonstrates a difference in gross motor outcomes in children with EB. Children with recessive dystrophic and epidermolysis bullosa simplex should be prioritized for monitoring of, and intervention for, gross motor outcomes through multidisciplinary care. Further research investigating long‐term outcomes for children with EB and the effectiveness of interventions would be beneficial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]