Autism in toddlers born very preterm

Margo Anne Pritchard; Therese De Dassel; Elaine Beller; Fiona E Bogossian; Linda Johnston; Jessica Paynter; Santo Russo; James Scott

doi:10.1542/peds.2015-1949

Back

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Autism in toddlers born very preterm

Margo Anne Pritchard, Therese De Dassel, Elaine Beller, Fiona E Bogossian, Linda Johnston, Jessica Paynter, Santo Russo and James Scott

Pediatrics, Vol.137(2), pp.1-8

2016

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2015-1949

Files and links (1)

url

https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2015-1949View

Published Version

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) by using the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-Generic (ADOS-G) classifications in children born very preterm during their toddler years. METHODS: Two birth cohorts of toddlers (2 and 4 years old) each recruited over 12 months and born at <29 weeks' gestation were administered the Modified Checklist of Autism in Toddlers-Follow-up Interview (M-CHAT-FI) screen, the ADOS-G, and developmental assessments. The ADOS-G was conducted on toddlers with M-CHAT-FI-positive screens. RESULTS: Data were available on 88% (169/192) of children. In total, 22 (13%) toddlers screened positive and 3 (1.8%) were confirmed diagnostically with ASD. These 3 cases reached the highest ADOS-G threshold classification of autism. All but 1 child who scored below the ADOS-G thresholds (11/12) demonstrated some difficulty with social communication. Risk was significantly increased for co-occurring neurodevelopmental problems in 21 of the 22 positive-screen ASD cases. Adaptive behavior (P < .001) was the only co-occurring factor independently predictive of ASD in toddlers. CONCLUSIONS: Children born very preterm are at increased risk of ASD. By using the ADOS-G, we found a lower incidence of ASD in children born at <29 weeks' gestation compared with previous studies. Children who screened positive for ASD on the M-CHAT-FI had developmental delays consistent with subthreshold communication impairment. Copyright © 2016 by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Details

Title: Autism in toddlers born very preterm
Authors: Margo Anne Pritchard (Author) - Australian Catholic University
Therese De Dassel (Author) - Bond University
Elaine Beller (Author) - University of Queensland
Fiona E Bogossian (Author) - Bond University
Linda Johnston (Author) - University of Toronto, Canada
Jessica Paynter (Author) - Autism Early Intervention & Outcome Unit Foundation
Santo Russo (Author) - Better Life Psychology
James Scott (Author) - Australian Catholic University
Publication details: Pediatrics, Vol.137(2), pp.1-8
Publisher: American Academy of Pediatrics
Date published: 2016
DOI: 10.1542/peds.2015-1949
ISSN: 0031-4005
Organisation Unit: School of Health; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Health and Sport Sciences - Legacy; School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Legacy
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99451255502621
Output Type: Journal article

Metrics

204 Record Views

46 Times Cited - Web of Science

InCites Highlights

These are selected metrics from InCites Benchmarking & Analytics tool, related to this output

Collaboration types: Domestic collaboration; International collaboration
Web Of Science research areas: Pediatrics

UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

This output has contributed to the advancement of the following goals:

Source: InCites