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Head circumference trends in autism between 0 and 100 months
Joel Crucitti1, Christian Hyde1, Peter G Enticott1
1School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia.
Summary
Autism head size varies by sex and age. This study analyzed 12 studies, finding females with autism aged 12-17 months had smaller heads, while males showed more extreme head sizes at various ages.
Area of Science:
- Neurodevelopmental Disorders
- Pediatric Health
- Human Genetics
Background:
- Existing meta-analyses on autism and head size do not sufficiently explain extreme variations.
- Head size anomalies are observed in some individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate age- and sex-specific patterns of head size in autism, including extreme cases.
- To aggregate and analyze existing head circumference data from multiple autism studies.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive meta-analysis combining data from 12 published studies on head size in autism.
- Statistical analysis to identify atypical head size patterns influenced by age and biological sex.
Main Results:
- Females with autism (12-17 months) exhibited smaller average head sizes.
- Males with autism were more prone to extreme head sizes at birth and 60-100 months.
- Males also showed a tendency for smaller heads (6-11 months) and larger heads (12-17 months).
- Females with autism were more likely to have extreme head sizes between 36-59 months, but less likely at birth.
Conclusions:
- Head size in autism is influenced by both age and biological sex, particularly in extreme cases.
- This comprehensive analysis provides a nuanced understanding of head circumference variations in autism spectrum disorder.
- Findings highlight the importance of considering sex and age when assessing head size in autism research.
