Prematurity increases autism risk
A two-decade-long study has revealed that children who are born early and have low birth weight are five times more likely to develop autism.
Autism is a developmental disorder that appears in the first 3 years of life, and affects the brain’s
normal development of social and communication skills by restricted and repetitive behavior.
It has long been known that premature babies are at a greater risk of several health and developmental problems such as breathing problems, bleeding in the brain and cognitive delays.
A 20-year-long follow up of 862 children from birth to young adulthood suggested that prematurity and low birth weight may be added to risks for being autistic.
During the follow up years, five percent of the low-birth weight babies were diagnosed with autism while the rate of prevalence was only one percent for the general population.
”As survival of the smallest and most immature babies improves, impaired survivors represent an increasing public health challenge," said senior researcher author Dr. Jennifer Pinto-Martin of the University of Pennsylvania.
”Emerging studies suggest that low birth weight may be a risk factor for autism spectrum disorders (ASDs).”
Researchers warned that cognitive problems in prematurely born children may possibly mask underlying autism.
”If there is suspicion of autism or a positive screening test for ASD, parents should seek an evaluation for an ASD, ”Pinto-Martin added. ”Early intervention improves long-term outcome and can help these children both at school and at home.”
Source: presstv.ir
