Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 7, 2026

Testing Sensory and Multisensory Function in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
09:13

Testing Sensory and Multisensory Function in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Published on: April 22, 2015

17.2K

Prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder in Preterm Infants: A Meta-analysis

Sachin Agrawal1, Shripada C Rao2,3, Max K Bulsara4

  • 1Neonatal Unit, King Edward Memorial Hospital for Women and Perth Children Hospital, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia.

Pediatrics
|August 5, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Preterm infants have a high risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This systematic review found a 7% prevalence of ASD in preterm children, highlighting the need for targeted support.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal research
  • Developmental pediatrics
  • Neurodevelopmental disorders

Background:

  • Emerging evidence suggests preterm infants are at increased risk for autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
  • Understanding the prevalence of ASD in this vulnerable population is crucial for early intervention and support.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review and meta-analyze the prevalence of ASD in preterm infants.
  • To provide an updated estimate of ASD prevalence based on diagnostic assessments.

Main Methods:

  • A systematic search of Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, and conference proceedings was conducted.
  • Included original studies reporting ASD prevalence using diagnostic tests in preterm children; excluded studies using only screening tools.
  • Data from 18 studies involving 3366 preterm infants were extracted and meta-analyzed.

Main Results:

  • The meta-analysis included 18 studies with 3366 preterm infants.
  • The overall prevalence of ASD in preterm infants was estimated at 7% (95% CI: 4% to 9%).
  • No significant evidence of publication bias was detected.

Conclusions:

  • The prevalence of ASD is significantly elevated in the preterm population.
  • There is a critical need for adequate resources and early intervention strategies for preterm infants at risk of ASD.
  • Further research is needed, particularly from middle- and low-income countries, to address heterogeneity.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Author Spotlight: Exploring Autism Spectrum Disorder Symptoms in Fruit Flies — Genetic Models and Behavioral Tests08:30

Author Spotlight: Exploring Autism Spectrum Disorder Symptoms in Fruit Flies — Genetic Models and Behavioral Tests

Published on: September 6, 2024

2.6K
A Semantic Priming Event-related Potential ERP Task to Study Lexico-semantic and Visuo-semantic Processing in Autism Spectrum Disorder08:17

A Semantic Priming Event-related Potential ERP Task to Study Lexico-semantic and Visuo-semantic Processing in Autism Spectrum Disorder

Published on: April 12, 2018

11.2K

Related Concept Videos

Autism Spectrum Disorder01:19

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition marked by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction alongside restrictive and repetitive behaviors or interests. ASD is sometimes accompanied by intellectual impairment.
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
1.2K
Prevalence and Incidence01:08

Prevalence and Incidence

In statistical epidemiology and health sciences, two essential metrics—prevalence and incidence—are fundamental for understanding disease dynamics within a population. These measures enable public health officials, epidemiologists, and researchers to assess the burden of diseases, allocate resources effectively, and design impactful public health policies and interventions.
Prevalence indicates the proportion of individuals in a population who have a specific disease or health...
1.9K
The Electromagnetic Spectrum02:37

The Electromagnetic Spectrum

The electromagnetic spectrum consists of all the types of electromagnetic radiation arranged according to their frequency and wavelength. Each of the various colors of visible light has specific frequencies and wavelengths associated with them, and you can see that visible light makes up only a small portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. Because the technologies developed to work in various parts of the electromagnetic spectrum are different, for reasons of convenience and historical...
65.4K
The Electromagnetic Spectrum01:24

The Electromagnetic Spectrum

Electromagnetic waves are categorized according to their wavelengths and frequencies, giving the electromagnetic spectrum. These waves are classified as radio, infrared, ultraviolet, etc. Radio waves refer to electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths ranging from millimeters to kilometers. Radio waves are commonly used for audio communications (i.e., radios) and typically result from an alternating current in the wires of a broadcast antenna. They cover a broad wavelength range and are used...
33.8K
IR Spectrum01:19

IR Spectrum

When infrared (IR) radiation passes through a molecule, the bonds stretch or bend by absorbing the radiation. This absorption creates the molecule's absorption spectrum, which is the plot of its percentage transmittance versus wavenumber.
Transmittance is defined as the ratio of the radiant power passing through a sample to that from the radiation's source. Multiplying the transmittance by 100 gives the percent transmittance (%T), which varies between 100% (no absorption) and 0%...
2.2K
Directing Effect of Substituents: meta-Directing Groups01:09

Directing Effect of Substituents: meta-Directing Groups

Substituents on the benzene ring that direct an incoming electrophile to undergo substitution at the meta position are called meta directors. All meta directors either have a positive charge on the atom directly bonded to the ring or a partial positive charge. These groups function by withdrawing electrons from the ring through inductive and resonance effects. Consider the carbocation intermediates formed upon the addition of an electrophile on nitrobenzene at the...
6.0K