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Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and autism spectrum disorder symptoms in school-age children born very
Tinka Bröring1, Kim J Oostrom2, Elisabeth M van Dijk-Lokkart1
1Department of Medical Psychology, VU University Medical Center, de Boelelaan 1118, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Insights
Children born very preterm (VP) exhibit higher rates of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) symptoms. These neurodevelopmental challenges impact attention, socialization, and communication, requiring routine screening.
Area of Science:
- Neurodevelopmental disorders
- Pediatric neurology
- Behavioral science
Background:
- Very preterm (VP) children are susceptible to neurodevelopmental issues, including behavioral problems.
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are common concerns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence, pervasiveness, and co-occurrence of ADHD and ASD symptoms in school-aged children born very preterm.
- To compare VP children with full-term peers.
Main Methods:
- Parent and teacher questionnaires and diagnostic interviews were used for 57 VP children and 57 matched full-term controls.
- Statistical analyses included t-tests, correlation, principal component analysis, and regression.
- Parent-teacher agreement was assessed using intra-class correlation coefficients.
Main Results:
- VP children reported higher levels of attention problems, social impairment, and communication difficulties.
- Significant parent-teacher agreement indicated pervasive ADHD and ASD symptoms in VP children.
- Lower gestational age, male sex, and lower socioeconomic status (SES) were associated with increased symptom levels.
Conclusions:
- School-aged VP children demonstrate elevated ADHD and ASD symptoms, particularly affecting attention, socialization, and communication.
- Early identification and screening for these neurodevelopmental conditions are recommended in pediatric follow-up care.
Background:
Very preterm (VP) children face a broad range of neurodevelopmental sequelae, including behavioral problems.
Aim:
To investigate prevalence, pervasiveness and co-occurrence of symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in school-age children born very preterm.
Methods:
Using questionnaire and diagnostic interview data, parent and teacher reported symptoms of ADHD and ASD of 57 VP-children (mean age = 9.2 years) were compared with 57 gender and age matched full-term children using t-tests. Intra-class correlation coefficients quantified parent-teacher agreement. Correlation analysis investigated co-occurrence of ADHD/ASD symptoms. ADHD/ASD measures were aggregated using principal component analysis. Regression analyses investigated the contribution of perinatal risk factors, sex and SES to ADHD/ASD symptoms.
Results:
VP-children showed higher levels of parent and teacher reported attention problems, social impairment and compromised communication skills. Fair to strong agreement was found between parent and teacher reported ADHD and ASD symptoms, indicating pervasiveness of observed difficulties. Co-occurrence of ADHD and ASD symptoms in VP-children was found. Lower gestational age was associated with higher ADHD and ASD symptom levels, male sex with higher ADHD symptom levels and lower SES with higher ASD symptom levels.
Conclusion:
School-age VP-children show higher levels of ADHD and ASD symptoms, and attention, socialization and communication difficulties in particular. Routinely screening for these problems is recommended in follow-up care.
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