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Early Assessment of Neurodevelopmental Scales Correlates With Positive M-CHAT Screening in 24-Month-Old Infants
Haixia Chang1,2, Yali Liu1,2, Jinfang Lv1,2
1Pediatric Health Care Department & Psychological Behavior Department, Hebei Children's Hospital, 050031 Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China.
Insights
Early neurological development in infants aged 12-15 months can predict autism spectrum disorder (ASD) risk. Identifying these developmental impairments aids early intervention for high-risk children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Developmental Psychology
- Autism Spectrum Disorder Research
Background:
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition impacting social communication and behavior.
- Early identification of infants at high risk for ASD is critical for effective intervention and improved long-term outcomes.
- This study investigates the link between early neurological development (12-15 months) and ASD risk factors, using M-CHAT screening at 24 months.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the association between early neurological development in infants and the risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
- To identify specific neurodevelopmental indicators between 12 and 15 months that correlate with positive ASD screening at 24 months.
- To examine the influence of family history, prematurity, and sleep disorders on ASD risk.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 100 infants (50 ASD-risk, 50 controls) aged 24 months.
- Neurodevelopmental assessment using the Gesell Developmental Diagnosis Scale (GDDS), Peabody Developmental Motor Scales (PDMS-2), and Sensory Integration Schedule (SIS).
- Logistic regression analysis to determine associations between baseline characteristics, neurodevelopmental scores, and ASD risk factors.
Main Results:
- High-risk infants exhibited higher rates of family history of ASD, prematurity, and sleep disorders.
- Significant neurodevelopmental impairments were observed in high-risk infants across GDDS (adaptability, language) and PDMS-2 (stationary, locomotion, grasping) subscales.
- Logistic regression confirmed a significant association between neurodevelopmental impairments and positive M-CHAT screening at 24 months.
Conclusions:
- Early neurodevelopmental impairments in 12-15 month-old infants are significant indicators of ASD risk.
- Timely identification of these developmental factors can facilitate early intervention strategies.
- Intervention based on early neurodevelopmental assessment may improve outcomes for children at high risk for ASD.
Background:
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by deficits in social communication and repetitive behaviors. Early identification of high-risk infants is crucial for intervention and long-term outcomes. This study explored the association between early neurological development from 12 to 15 months and the related risk factors for ASD, with a primary focus on M-CHAT status at 24 months as the screening outcome, and the impact of family history, prematurity, and sleep disorders.
Methods:
We conducted a retrospective analysis of 50 children aged 24 months who tested positive on the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT) and 50 matched controls with negative results. Neurodevelopmental status was assessed using the Gesell Developmental Diagnosis Scale (GDDS), the Peabody Developmental Motor Scales, Second Edition (PDMS-2), and the Sensory Integration Schedule (SIS). Statistical analyses, including logistic regression, were used to evaluate associations among baseline characteristics, neurodevelopmental scores, and ASD risk factors.
Results:
A total of 100 infants were included, with 50 classified as high risk and 50 as low risk. High-risk infants had significantly higher rates of family history of ASD, prematurity, and sleep disorders. They showed impairments across several PDMS-2 subscales, including stationary, locomotion, and grasping, as well as GDDS subscales such as adaptability and language. Logistic regression analysis revealed that neurodevelopmental impairments were significantly associated with M-CHAT positivity at 24 months.
Conclusions:
Early neurodevelopmental impairments in infants aged 12 to 15 months may serve as important indicators of ASD risk. Identifying these factors may facilitate timely intervention and improve outcomes for high-risk children.
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