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Factors associated with abnormal screening for autism spectrum disorder among Extremely Preterm Children
Myriam Peralta-Carcelen1, Susan R Hintz2, Carla M Bann3
1Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35249-7335, USA. mperalta@uabmc.edu.
Insights
Children born extremely preterm (EPT) show higher rates of autism spectrum disorder screening results. Key risk factors include male sex, low birth weight, and early developmental issues, necessitating early assessment and intervention.
Area of Science:
- Neonatalogy
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Autism Spectrum Disorder Research
Background:
- Extremely preterm (EPT) birth (<28 weeks gestation) is associated with neurodevelopmental challenges.
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) screening in EPT populations requires understanding of specific risk factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate positive results on a screening instrument for autism spectrum disorder (pos-ASDS) in school-aged children born EPT.
- To identify neonatal and early developmental risk factors associated with pos-ASDS in this cohort.
Main Methods:
- 380 EPT children (gestational age 24 to <28 weeks) were assessed at 6-7 years using the Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ).
- Pos-ASDS was defined as an SCQ score ≥15.
- Logistic regression analyzed associations between perinatal factors, 18-22 month behavioral/cognitive scores, and pos-ASDS.
Main Results:
- 14% of EPT children had pos-ASDS (SCQ score ≥15).
- Identified risk factors included male sex, lower birth weight, severe retinopathy of prematurity, motor/sensory impairments, lower cognitive scores, poorer emotional competence, and more behavioral problems at 18-22 months.
- Neonatal MRI and cranial ultrasound findings were not significantly different between groups.
Conclusions:
- Children born EPT exhibit an increased prevalence of positive ASDS.
- Early assessment of socioemotional development and pos-ASDS risk factors is crucial for timely intervention in EPT children.
Objective:
To investigate positive results on a screening instrument for autism spectrum disorder (pos-ASDS) and associated neonatal and early developmental risk factors in school-age children born extremely preterm (EPT).
Study Design:
Researchers assessed 380 EPT children (GA 24 to <28 weeks) at 6-7 years-of-age using the Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ). Pos-ASDS was defined as an SCQ score ≥15. Logistic regression examined independent associations of perinatal factors and 18-22 months behavior and cognitive scores with pos-ASDS.
Results:
Fourteen % of the children scored ≥ 15 in the ASDS (SCQ). Risk factors included male sex, lower birth weight, severe retinopathy of prematurity, motor/sensory impairments, lower cognitive scores, poorer emotional competence, and more behavioral problems at 18-22 months. Neonatal MRI and cranial ultrasound findings were not significantly different.
Conclusion:
Children born EPT have increased positive ASDS. It is important to assess their socioemotional development early and pos-ASDS risk factors to facilitate prompt intervention.
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