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A Comparison of the Clinical Presentation of Preterm Birth and Autism Spectrum Disorder: Commonalities and
Adriana I Mendez1, Hannah Tokish2, Emma McQueen2
1Department of Psychology, Emory University, 36 Eagle Row, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; Marcus Autism Center, 1920 Briarcliff Road, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, 2015 Uppergate Drive, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, 1405 Clifton Road Northeast, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
Insights
Premature infants and infants with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) show similar developmental signs, risking misdiagnosis. Recognizing these overlaps aids early ASD detection and intervention for preterm infants.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Neurodevelopmental Disorders
- Neonatology
Background:
- Premature infants and those diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) exhibit overlapping clinical presentations.
- These shared phenotypes can result in misdiagnosis or missed ASD diagnoses in preterm infants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To document commonalities and differences in developmental domains between premature infants and infants with ASD.
- To aid in the accurate early detection of ASD and timely intervention in preterm children.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of clinical presentations across various developmental domains.
- Review of existing literature on prematurity and ASD phenotypes.
Main Results:
- Significant overlap exists in the clinical presentations of prematurity and ASD.
- Key differences in developmental trajectories require careful differentiation.
- Overlapping symptoms necessitate precise diagnostic approaches.
Conclusions:
- Accurate early detection of ASD in preterm infants is crucial for timely intervention.
- Evidence-based interventions for preterm toddlers or those with ASD may benefit both populations.
- Understanding shared and distinct features can improve diagnostic accuracy and therapeutic strategies.
Abstract:
Premature infants and infants later diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) share many commonalities in clinical presentations. However, prematurity and ASD also have differences in clinical presentation. These overlapping phenotypes can lead to misdiagnoses of ASD or missing a diagnosis of ASD in preterm infants. We document these commonalities and differences in various developmental domains with the hope of aiding in the accurate early detection of ASD and timely intervention implementation in children born premature. Given the degree of similarities in presentation, evidence-based interventions designed specifically for preterm toddlers or toddlers with ASD may ultimately aid both populations.
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