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Distinct Neurodevelopmental Trajectories in Groups of Very Preterm Children Screening Positively for Autism Spectrum
Laila Hadaya1,2, Lucy Vanes1,2, Vyacheslav Karolis1,3
1Centre for the Developing Brain, Department of Perinatal Imaging and Health, School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, London, SE1 7EH, UK.
Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
|October 23, 2022
Summary
Very preterm toddlers screening positive for autism spectrum conditions (ASC) show varied development. Neonatal cerebellar size differences were observed, with both positive groups exhibiting higher childhood ASC traits.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Autism Spectrum Conditions Research
Background:
- Very preterm (VPT) born toddlers (<33 weeks gestation) may exhibit heterogeneous neurodevelopmental outcomes.
- Autism spectrum conditions (ASC) screening in VPT populations identifies individuals at risk but may mask diverse underlying trajectories.
- Understanding early brain development in relation to later ASC traits is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between neonatal brain volumes and childhood ASC traits in VPT-born toddlers.
- To explore distinct neurodevelopmental trajectories based on autism screening scores in a VPT cohort.
- To identify potential early neuroanatomical markers associated with ASC in preterm infants.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 371 VPT-born toddlers (median age 20.17 months) was assessed.
- Participants were categorized into three groups based on Modified-Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT) scores: critical-positive, non-critical-positive, and negative screeners.
- Neonatal brain volumes (specifically cerebellar) and childhood ASC traits (using the Social Responsiveness Scale, SRS-2) were evaluated.
Main Results:
- Toddlers screening critical-positive for ASC showed significantly smaller neonatal cerebellar volumes compared to non-critical-positive and negative screeners.
- Both critical-positive and non-critical-positive screening groups exhibited higher childhood ASC traits compared to the negative screening group.
- These findings suggest that different autism screening profiles in VPT toddlers may reflect distinct etiological pathways.
Conclusions:
- Neonatal cerebellar volume may serve as an early neuroanatomical correlate for more severe autism screening results in very preterm infants.
- Heterogeneity in ASC traits among VPT toddlers is supported by distinct screening responses and neurodevelopmental findings.
- Further research into specific etiological trajectories is warranted for tailored support and interventions for VPT children at risk for ASC.
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