title: Autism in Toddlers Born Very Preterm.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study aimed to determine the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) by using the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-Generic (ADOS-G) classifications in children born very preterm during their toddler years.
  
  
  METHODS
  Two birth cohorts of toddlers (2 and 4 years old) each recruited over 12 months and born at <29 weeks' gestation were administered the Modified Checklist of Autism in Toddlers-Follow-up Interview (M-CHAT-FI) screen, the ADOS-G, and developmental assessments. The ADOS-G was conducted on toddlers with M-CHAT-FI-positive screens.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Data were available on 88% (169/192) of children. In total, 22 (13%) toddlers screened positive and 3 (1.8%) were confirmed diagnostically with ASD. These 3 cases reached the highest ADOS-G threshold classification of autism. All but 1 child who scored below the ADOS-G thresholds (11/12) demonstrated some difficulty with social communication. Risk was significantly increased for co-occurring neurodevelopmental problems in 21 of the 22 positive-screen ASD cases. Adaptive behavior (P < .001) was the only co-occurring factor independently predictive of ASD in toddlers.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Children born very preterm are at increased risk of ASD. By using the ADOS-G, we found a lower incidence of ASD in children born at <29 weeks' gestation compared with previous studies. Children who screened positive for ASD on the M-CHAT-FI had developmental delays consistent with subthreshold communication impairment.
authors.affiliation: Australian Catholic University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia; margo.pritchard@acu.edu.au.
authors.forename: Margo Anne
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Pritchard
authors.affiliation: Royal Brisbane Women's Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia; Bond University, Robina, Queensland, Australia;
authors.forename: Therese
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: de Dassel
authors.affiliation: The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia;
authors.forename: Elaine
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Beller
authors.affiliation: Bond University, Robina, Queensland, Australia;
authors.forename: Fiona
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Bogossian
authors.affiliation: University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada;
authors.forename: Linda
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Johnston
authors.affiliation: Autism Early Intervention and Ootcome Unit Foundation, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia;
authors.forename: Jessica
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Paynter
authors.affiliation: Better Life Psychology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
authors.forename: Santo
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Russo
authors.affiliation: Australian Catholic University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia; Bond University, Robina, Queensland, Australia;
authors.forename: James
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Scott
mesh_terms: D000067877:Autism Spectrum Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D007235:Infant, Premature, Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D008297:Male; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D015995:Prevalence; D011793:Queensland / Q000453:epidemiology; D012307:Risk Factors