The prevalence of autism spectrum disorder symptoms in very preterm children during early childhood

In the past decades, major advances in perinatal care have increased the survival of very preterm born children (VPC), born before 30 weeks of gestation. Although this is a positive evolution, studies have shown that these... [ view full abstract ]

In the past decades, major advances in perinatal care have increased the survival of very preterm born children (VPC), born before 30 weeks of gestation. Although this is a positive evolution, studies have shown that these children are at increased risk for developmental problems in various domains. Recent evidence also suggests a link between prematurity and autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
This prospective longitudinal study aimed to investigate the prevalence and stability of ASD features in 67 VPC by using parent-based screening instruments and a standardized diagnostic measure that involves scoring direct observations of the child’s interactions (ADOS-2). In addition, cognitive, motor and language development were also assessed.
Preliminary results show a decrease in parent-reported clinical rates of ASD symptomatology and an increase in observed ASD symptoms, predominantly in restrictive and repetitive behaviours, between 18 and 27 months. While 20 children (40.8%) score positive (suspicion of ASD) on the ADOS at 27 months, only two (4.1%) of them have a positive screen on the parent-based questionnaires. At the meeting, possible associations between ASD symptomatology and developmental characteristics will also be discussed.
Preliminary results suggest that the prevalence of ASD features is substantially higher in VPC than in the general population. The findings also point to the need of a regular assessment of social-communicative and behavioral difficulties during the first years of life and raise questions about the validity of existing screening instruments to detect ASD in VPC.

The current study was approved by the appropriate ethics committee in February 2013. Participation was voluntary and parents of preterm born children filled out an informed consent in which they were informed of a complete... [ view full abstract ]

The current study was approved by the appropriate ethics committee in February 2013. Participation was voluntary and parents of preterm born children filled out an informed consent in which they were informed of a complete anonymous processing of the obtained results.
There is no potential conflict of interest