title: Minor physical anomalies in children with autism spectrum disorders.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  There is clinical heterogeneity among the autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The presence of dysmorphology (minor physical anomalies; MPAs) is one possible tool for defining a clinically relevant subset in ASD. This study employs an adaptation of Miles and Hillman's (2000) classifications by using photographs to identify a subgroup with significant dysmorphology among children with ASD, typical development (TYP), and developmental delay (DD).
  
  
  METHODS
  Children with ASD, DD, and TYP between 2 and 5 years old were part of the CHARGE Study. Pediatric specialists blinded to diagnostic group classified photographs based on the number of MPAs present: 'dysmorphic' if >3 and 'nondysmorphic' if <3 MPAs.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Photographs for 324 children were included. Significantly more children with ASD were classified as dysmorphic compared to TYP children (p = .007). In children with ASD, seizures were more prevalent in those rated dysmorphic (p = .005). Frequencies were similar between ASD versus DD (p = .19) after removing those with known syndromes.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Photographic assessment can be used to detect generalized dysmorphology in children who are often difficult to examine. This has clinical relevance, as children with multiple MPAs can be identified through the use of photographs and prioritized for investigation of brain abnormalities and underlying genetic disorders.
authors: University of California, Davis, USA. kathleen.angkustsiri@ucdmc.ucdavis.edu
authors: Kathleen
authors: K
authors: Angkustsiri
authors: Paula
authors: P
authors: Krakowiak
authors: Billur
authors: B
authors: Moghaddam
authors: Terrance
authors: T
authors: Wardinsky
authors: Jerald
authors: J
authors: Gardner
authors: Nareg
authors: N
authors: Kalamkarian
authors: Irva
authors: I
authors: Hertz-Picciotto
authors: Robin L
authors: RL
authors: Hansen
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