Features of autism in a Singaporean child with Down syndrome.

Regression (4 to 7 Years) John regressed at about 4 years 1 month. He lost communicative intent and the use of words that he had previously mastered. He showed no interest in toys and play. His eye contact became inconsistent and he was socially unresponsive. He rarely participated in group activities and had diffi culty following instructions. He also started to display repetitive stereotyped behaviours such as rocking his body, fl apping, and fl icking his fi ngers. Several psychosocial stressors occurred around the time of John’s regression, including the birth of his younger brother (at 3 years 10 months), his elder sister starting formal schooling (at 4 years 2 months), and the family moving house (at 4 years 9 months).