Screening for Autism Spectrum Disorders in Extremely Preterm Infants

• DOI: 10.1097/dbp.0b013e31825fd0af
• Publication Date: 2012-08-25T06:44:58Z
• Authors: Bonnie E. Stephens; Carla M. Bann; Victoria E. Watson; Stephen J. Sheinkopf; Myriam Peralta-Ca...; Anna Bodnar; Kimberly Yolton; Ricki F. Goldstein; Anna M. Dusick; Deanne E. Wilson-...; Michael J. Acarregui; Athina Pappas; Ira Adams-Chapman; Elisabeth C. McGowan; Roy J. Heyne; Susan R. Hintz; Richard A. Ehrenk...; Janell Fuller; Abhik Das; Rosemary D. Higgins; Betty R. Vohr
• Keywords: Male; Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; Developmental Disabilities; Infant, Newborn; Infant; 3. Good health; Cohort Studies; Diagnosis, Differential; 03 medical and health sciences; 0302 clinical medicine; Child Development Disorders, Pervasive; Surveys and Questionnaires; Humans; Mass Screening; Female; Infant, Premature

Background: Extremely preterm (EP) infants screen positive for autism spectrum disorders (ASD) at high rates. However, it is not clear whether this because of rates ASD in EPs or to false-positive screens children with a rate underlying neurodevelopmental impairments. Combining parent questionnaire designed distinguish developmental delay from direct observation infant behavior may more accurately EPs. Objectives: To determine 18 22 months(m) using 3 screens; factors associated screen. Methods: Five hundred fifty-four born <27 weeks were screened m the Pervasive Developmental Disorders Screening test, second edition Stage 2, and response name joint attention items Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule. Infants severe cerebral palsy, deafness, blindness excluded. Associations between neonatal/ characteristics determined. Results: Of 554 infants, 113 (20%) had ≥ 1 10% edition, 6% name, 9% attention; only % all positive. Positive was male gender, hospital days, white race, lower maternal education, abnormal behavioral scores, cognitive/ language delay. Conclusions: The use results higher than alone. confirmation needed before true are known.