Magán-Maganto M, Canal-Bedia R, Bejarano-Martín Á, Martín-Cilleros MV, Hernández-Fabián A, Calvarro-Castañeda AL, Roeyers H, Jenaro-Río C, Posada de la Paz M. Predictors of autism spectrum disorder diagnosis in a spanish sample of preterm children with very low birthweight: A cross-sectional study.
Health Sci Rep 2023;
6:e1143. [PMID:
36875930 PMCID:
PMC9981873 DOI:
10.1002/hsr2.1143]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with a higher likelihood of being diagnosed in preterm populations. Likewise, low birthweight has also been connected with an increased likelihood of ASD. The objectives were to study the frequency and define the relationship between ASD, gestational age, birthweight, and growth percentiles for preterm children.
Methods
A sample of preterm children with very low birthweight was selected from the Spanish population at 7-10 years old. Families were contacted from the hospital, and they were offered an appointment to conduct a neuropsychological assessment. The children who showed signs of ASD were referred to the diagnostic unit for differential diagnosis.
Results
A total of 57 children completed full assessments, with 4 confirmed ASD diagnoses. The estimated prevalence was 7.02%. There were statistically significant weak correlations between ASD and gestational age (τb = -0.23), and birthweight (τb = -0.25), suggesting there is a higher likelihood of developing ASD for those born smaller or earlier in their gestation.
Conclusion
These results could improve ASD detection and outcomes for this vulnerable population while also supporting and enhancing previous findings.
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