Use of Home Videos for Investigation of Early Development and Skill Loss in Children Diagnosed with Autistic Regression: a Systematic Review

Autistic regression (AR) is commonly characterised as the loss of previously acquired language and social skills. This systematic review sought to identify studies that used family home videos to investigate early developmental patterns before AR onset and the domains involved in regression. Of 654 records screened, 12 studies were included. Two developmental patterns prior to AR onset were identified: typical and non-typical. Non-typical early development included more frequent use of socio-communicative skills in children who later experienced AR compared with matched typically developing controls. The contribution of home video studies to current understanding of AR is discussed, as well as implications for identification and management.