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Prediction of autism in infants: progress and challenges

Geraldine Dawson1, Amber D Rieder2, Mark H Johnson3

  • 1Duke Center for Autism and Brain Development, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA.

The Lancet. Neurology
|November 25, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Early detection of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in infants is advancing through studies of brain development and behavior. While promising, reliable individual prediction of ASD remains a future goal requiring further research.

Area of Science:

  • Neurodevelopmental disorders
  • Pediatric medicine
  • Infant psychology

Background:

  • Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition diagnosed in early childhood.
  • Prospective studies of infants under 1 year are crucial for understanding early development and prediction.
  • Identifying early predictors can significantly improve intervention outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current research on early predictors of autism spectrum disorder in infants.
  • To explore brain-based and behavioral markers identified in infants later diagnosed with autism.
  • To discuss the challenges and ethical considerations in translating research into clinical screening tools.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of prospective longitudinal studies on infants at risk for autism.
  • Review of neuroimaging techniques (MRI, EEG, near-infrared spectroscopy) for infant brain development.
  • Examination of retrospective studies on health conditions and behavioral features in infants later diagnosed with autism.

Main Results:

  • Differences in brain development observed in infants who later receive an autism diagnosis.
  • Increased prevalence of health conditions (sleep, gastrointestinal, vision) noted in infants later diagnosed with autism.
  • Distinct behavioral features identified, including differences in attention, social engagement, and motor abilities.

Conclusions:

  • Research offers insights into promising screening approaches for autism in infants.
  • Individual-level prediction of autism remains a future objective.
  • Further research is needed to address scientific and ethical challenges for clinical application of early autism predictors.

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