1. Measuring language in children with autism Anders Nordahl-Hansen a.j.n.hansen@iped.uio.no

2. Problems when measuring language Direct tests: Children with autism often fall below base levels of such tests ( Charman et al. 2003; Charman, 2004; Luyster et al., 2007) Parent reports: Parents may be over- estimating their children’s language abilities (Tomasello & Mervis, 1994) Anders Nordahl-Hansen - University of Oslo

3. Our sample n=61 Age: 2-4 years Autistic disorder Eastern and western part of Norway Anders Nordahl-Hansen - University of Oslo

4. Do parents and preschool teachers perceive language in the same manner? Anders Nordahl-Hansen - University of Oslo Nordahl-Hansen et al. (2013)

5. Comparing the CDI to Mullen and Reynell Anders Nordahl-Hansen - University of Oslo

6. Conclusions The CDI can be used in addition to direct tests to get a clearer picture of the children’s language abilities When direct tests are difficult, parent reports such as the CDI poses a good alternative The CDI is cost- and time -efficient compared to other alternatives Anders Nordahl-Hansen - University of Oslo

7. Collaborators and contributing institutions Anett Kaale, Oslo University Hospital Stein Erik Ulvund, University of Oslo Anders Nordahl-Hansen - University of Oslo