Beyond Baby Siblings-Expanding the Definition of "High-Risk Infants" in Autism Research
Nicole M McDonald1, Shafali S Jeste2
1UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, 760 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA. nmcdonald@mednet.ucla.edu.
Insights
Understanding early development in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) requires studying infants beyond those with a family history. Research on preterm birth and tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) offers insights into autism emergence and early intervention strategies.
Area of Science:
- Neurodevelopmental disorders
- Pediatric medicine
- Genetics
Background:
- Current understanding of early autism spectrum disorder (ASD) development relies heavily on familial-risk studies.
- Limited research exists on neurodevelopmental profiles and autism prevalence in non-familial high-risk infant groups.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review existing literature on neurodevelopmental profiles and autism prevalence in high-risk infant groups beyond familial risk.
- To identify gaps in knowledge and inform future research directions for early ASD detection and intervention.
- To focus on infants with early medical risks, such as preterm birth, and genetic risks, like tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC).
Main Methods:
- Literature review of prospective studies on early development in high-risk infant cohorts.
- Analysis of autism prevalence and neurodevelopmental markers in preterm infants and infants with TSC.
- Comparison of findings with existing data from familial-risk infant studies.
Main Results:
- Approximately 7% of very preterm infants are diagnosed with ASD later in life.
- Emerging research in preterm and TSC infants reveals both similarities and differences compared to familial-risk infants.
- Prospective studies of early development in non-familial high-risk infants are scarce but crucial.
Conclusions:
- Expanding the study of early ASD markers beyond familial-risk infants is essential for a comprehensive understanding of autism.
- This broader perspective is critical for developing more effective and individualized early intervention strategies.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the unique developmental trajectories in diverse high-risk infant populations.
Purpose Of Review:
Much of our understanding of early development in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) comes from studies of children with a family history of autism. We reviewed the current literature on neurodevelopmental profiles and autism prevalence from other high-risk infant groups to expose gaps and inform next steps. We focused on infants with early medical risk (e.g., preterm birth) and genetic risk (tuberous sclerosis complex [TSC]).
Recent Findings:
About 7% of very preterm infants are later diagnosed with ASD. Prospective studies of early development outside of familial-risk infants are rare; however, recent work within preterm and TSC infants suggests interesting similarities and differences from infants with a family history of ASD. It is essential that we extend our knowledge of early markers of ASD beyond familial-risk infants to expand our knowledge of autism as it emerges in order to develop better, more individualized early interventions.
