title: Identification of infants at risk for autism spectrum disorder and developmental language delay prior to 12 months.
abstract: Studies have shown an increased head circumference and the absence of the head tilt reflex as possible risk factors for autism spectrum disorder, allowing for early detection at 12 months in typically developing population of infants. Our aim was to develop a screening tool to identify infants prior to 12 months at risk for autism spectrum disorder and developmental learning delay, not affected by literacy or primary parental language, and provide immediate determination of risk for autism spectrum disorder. An abrupt head circumference acceleration and the absence of head tilt reflex by 9 months were used to identify infants at risk for autism spectrum disorder. Stability of early findings was then investigated when compared to comprehensive standardized neurodevelopmental assessment results and complete neurological and genetics evaluations. A total of 1024 typically developing infants were enrolled by 9 months, with 14 identified as at risk for autism spectrum disorder and 33 for developmental learning delay. There was a good positive predictive value for the identification of autism spectrum disorder prior to 12 months. This study demonstrates an efficient means to identify infants at risk for autism spectrum disorder by 9 months of age and serves to alert primary care providers of infants who are vulnerable for autism spectrum disorder before symptoms are discernible by clinical judgment of primary care providers, parental concerns, or by screening questionnaires.
authors.affiliation: George Washington University of the Health Sciences, USA Neurodevelopmental Diagnostic Center for Young Children, USA The Focus Foundation, USA cssprouse@aol.com.
authors.forename: Carole A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Samango-Sprouse
authors.affiliation: The Focus Foundation, USA.
authors.forename: Emily J
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Stapleton
authors.affiliation: The Pediatric Group, USA.
authors.forename: Farhad
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Aliabadi
authors.affiliation: The Pediatric Group, USA.
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Graw
authors.affiliation: Arundel Pediatrics, USA.
authors.forename: Rebecca
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Vickers
authors.affiliation: The Focus Foundation, USA.
authors.forename: Kathryn
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Haskell
authors.affiliation: Neurodevelopmental Diagnostic Center for Young Children, USA.
authors.forename: Teresa
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Sadeghin
authors.affiliation: The Focus Foundation, USA.
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Jameson
authors.affiliation: Annapolis Pediatrics, USA.
authors.forename: Charles L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Parmele
authors.affiliation: George Washington University of the Health Sciences, USA Children's National Medical Center, USA.
authors.forename: Andrea L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Gropman
mesh_terms: D000067877:Autism Spectrum Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology; D042241:Early Diagnosis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007805:Language Development Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D012021:Reflex, Abnormal / Q000502:physiology; D012307:Risk Factors
keywords: autism spectrum disorder; developmental delays; developmental language delay; infant screening