Ex-preemies May Have Higher Risk for Autism

More on Autism

Often referred to collectively as "autism," autism spectrum disorders (or ASDs) are a group of developmental disorders that can affect the way a child behaves, thinks, communicates, and interacts with others — some kids have only mild symptoms, whereas others' are more severe.

Calling autism an "urgent public health issue," the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported in early 2007 that about 1 in 150 children in the United States are diagnosed with the developmental disorder — a higher rate than health officials had previously thought.

Although it might seem like more kids have autism today, it's unclear whether the increased numbers mean that the disorder is actually on the rise. Why? For one, a broader definition of autism can be applied to more children who show varying degrees of symptoms. Plus, health professionals have become more aware of the condition, which has led to more diagnoses.

What This Means to You

Of course, if your child was born prematurely it doesn't automatically mean your little one has or will ever have autism. And the children in this study had not yet been followed long enough to find out whether the early autistic symptoms they showed on the screening test meant they would be diagnosed with autism later on. Although most children who develop autism are not ex-preemies, the results of this study emphasize the importance of keeping an eye out for early signs of the disorder, especially in children (like "extreme preemies") who may be at increased risk.

Subtle symptoms of autism are often present before a child's first birthday — sometimes even in early infancy — but often go unnoticed until the symptoms are more obvious to parents, usually when a child is between 15 and 36 months old.

But, in an effort to help detect autism as early as possible, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) now urges doctors to routinely screen all children for red flags of autism at 18 and 24 months old. Although there's no cure for autism, getting help early on is crucial for helping kids cope with the condition, learn, and communicate.

Common warning signs that moms and dads — and their doctors — need to be aware of include:

• not showing big smiles or other expressions of joy by 6 months
• not sharing back-and-forth smiles, sounds, or other facial expressions by 9 months
• not babbling or using gestures (like pointing or waving bye-bye) by 12 months
• not using single words by 16 months
• not using two-word "spontaneous phrases" by 24 months (that is, not saying two-word phrases on their own without repeating or mimicking someone else)
• losing language or social skills at any age

In addition to the regular well-child visits and immunizations that all babies get, premature infants need periodic hearing and eye examinations, too. And doctors have to pay careful attention to the development of preemies' nervous systems, including their achievement of motor skills like smiling, sitting, and walking. Some also may require speech therapy or physical therapy as they grow up.

There's a wide range of normal, but looking out for developmental red flags is important for all children, whether they were born prematurely or not. Talk to your doctor if you're concerned about any aspect of your child's development.

Source: "Positive Screening for Autism in Ex-preterm Infants: Prevalence and Risk Factors," Pediatrics, April 2008.