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Published on: April 12, 2018
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Comparing autism phenotypes in children born extremely preterm and born at term
Robert M Joseph1, Emily R Lai1, Somer Bishop2
1Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
Summary
Children born extremely preterm (EP) with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) show similar core symptoms to term-born peers. However, EP children with ASD had fewer stereotyped behaviors, lower growth, and more language delays.
Area of Science:
- Neurodevelopmental Disorders
- Pediatric Health
Background:
- Children born preterm face higher autism spectrum disorder (ASD) risks.
- Limited understanding exists regarding phenotypic differences in ASD between preterm and term-born children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare core ASD symptoms and associated characteristics in extremely preterm (EP) versus term-born children diagnosed with ASD.
- Investigate developmental, anthropometric, and psychiatric differences.
Main Methods:
- Matched cohort study comparing 59 extremely preterm (EP) children with term-born children with ASD.
- Utilized Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R) and Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2) for symptom assessment.
- Evaluated developmental milestones, growth, seizures, and psychiatric symptoms.
Main Results:
- EP children with ASD had lower parent-reported stereotyped language and repetitive behaviors on ADI-R.
- No significant differences in nonverbal communication or social interaction were observed between groups via ADI-R or ADOS-2.
- EP children exhibited more delayed speech milestones and lower physical growth parameters.
Conclusions:
- Behavioral ASD presentation is largely similar between EP and term-born children at age 10.
- EP-born children with ASD showed less severe stereotyped behaviors, reduced physical growth, and increased language delays.
- Findings highlight specific developmental considerations for preterm-born children with ASD.
