Early growth patterns in children with autism

Area of Science:

• Pediatric research
• Neurodevelopmental disorders
• Growth and development studies

Background:

• Previous studies suggest increased head growth in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
• Limited research exists on length and weight changes in ASD, especially in population-based samples.
• Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental condition affecting social interaction and communication.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate sex-specific growth trajectories in children with autism spectrum disorder.
• To compare head circumference, length, and weight from birth to age 3 years in children with and without ASD.
• To analyze growth patterns in a large, population-based cohort.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from 106,082 children in the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort (born 1999-2009).
• Prospective measurements of head circumference (to 12 months), length, and weight (to 36 months).
• Compared growth trajectories between 376 children with ASD and non-cases using Reed first-order models.

Main Results:

• Autism spectrum disorder boys had similar mean head growth but greater variability, with 8.7% experiencing macrocephaly by 12 months.
• Boys with ASD showed slightly increased length and weight compared to the cohort mean.
• Girls with ASD had reduced head circumference and weight, particularly those with intellectual disability, genetic disorders, or epilepsy.

Conclusions:

• Growth trajectories in children with autism spectrum disorder diverge significantly and exhibit sex-specific patterns.
• The study did not replicate previous findings of universally increased mean head growth in ASD.
• Sex-specific growth differences in autism spectrum disorder highlight the need for tailored monitoring and interventions.