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Autism before diagnosis: crying, feeding and sleeping problems in the first two years of life

Martina Barnevik Olsson1, Lotta Höglund Carlsson, Joakim Westerlund

  • 1Gillberg Neuropsychiatry Centre, Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden. martina.barnevik-olsson@primabarn.se

Acta Paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992)
|March 14, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Regulatory problems were significantly more common in young children later diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Early identification and support are crucial for these children and their families.

Area of Science:

  • Developmental Pediatrics
  • Child Psychology
  • Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Background:

  • Regulatory problems (RP) are common in early childhood.
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition.
  • Understanding early indicators of ASD is crucial for timely intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence of early registered regulatory problems in preschool children with and without autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
  • To identify potential early markers for ASD within regulatory issues.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 208 preschool children diagnosed with ASD had their Child Health Centre (CHC) records reviewed.
  • Consultations for excessive crying, feeding, and sleeping problems were analyzed.
  • A matched comparison group of children without ASD was used for statistical comparison.

Main Results:

  • Children with ASD exhibited significantly higher rates of regulatory problems compared to the control group.
  • 44% of children with ASD had two or more consultations for regulatory issues, versus 16% in the comparison group (p < 0.001).
  • No significant correlations were found between regulatory problems and gender, autism severity, cognitive level, or hyperactivity.

Conclusions:

  • Early regulatory problems are substantially more prevalent in children who are later diagnosed with ASD.
  • Infants experiencing numerous regulatory problems warrant close monitoring by child health and pediatric services.
  • Continued developmental surveillance and family support are essential for children with significant early regulatory challenges.
Abstract

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