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Head circumference in autism, Asperger syndrome, and ADHD: a comparative study
Christopher Gillberg1, Linda de Souza
1Department of Psychiatry, St George's Hospital Medical School, London, UK. ann.nordstrom@pediat.gu.se
Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology
|May 30, 2002
Summary
Children with Asperger syndrome, a form of autism spectrum disorder, frequently exhibit macrocephalus (large head size). This condition, often present from birth or developing in early childhood, is particularly noted in those with higher functioning.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Genetics
Background:
- Autistic spectrum disorders (ASD) are complex neurodevelopmental conditions.
- Macrocephalus, or enlarged head circumference, has been anecdotally associated with ASD.
- The precise relationship between head size and specific ASD subtypes requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of macrocephalus in children diagnosed with Asperger syndrome.
- To compare head circumference in children with Asperger syndrome to those with autistic disorder and attention-deficit-hyperactivity disorder.
- To determine if macrocephalus is more common in higher-functioning individuals within the autism spectrum.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study involving 150 children: 50 with Asperger syndrome, 50 with autistic disorder, and 50 with attention-deficit-hyperactivity disorder.
- Participants were matched for birth year and sex.
- Longitudinal data on occipitofrontal circumference, weight, and height were collected from birth and follow-up records.
Main Results:
- Children with Asperger syndrome showed a significant prevalence of macrocephalus, observed both at birth and during early childhood.
- A subset of individuals with Asperger syndrome exhibited macrocephalus from birth, while another subgroup developed it later.
- Macrocephalus was a notable characteristic in the subgroup of autistic spectrum disorders with higher functioning, aligning with Asperger syndrome diagnoses.
Conclusions:
- Macrocephalus is a frequently observed characteristic in children with Asperger syndrome.
- The presence of macrocephalus can manifest from birth or develop during early childhood in this population.
- Findings suggest that macrocephalus may be a relevant clinical marker for higher-functioning autistic spectrum disorders, particularly Asperger syndrome.