Dysmorphism in Non-Syndromic Autism: A Cross-Sectional Study.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the effect of association of dysembryogenesis (manifested by presence of dysmorphic markers) on the developmental profile of autistic children.


METHODS
26 autistic children were classified into complex autism (if they had specific dysmorphic markers) or essential autism (in the absence of dysmorphic markers) using the Miles Autism Dysmorphology Measure (ADM). The developmental abilities (Griffith's Mental Development Scales) and the clinical severity (Childhood Autism Rating Scale) of both groups were compared. The prevalence of dysmorphic markers was also determined in 140 non-autistic controls.


RESULTS
Children with complex autism had poorer development (General Quotient 29.4 vs 34.0, P=0.06) and earlier onset of autistic symptoms (18 vs 24 mo, P=0.05). Dysmorphic markers were significantly more in autistic children compared to normal children (27% vs 10%, P=0.002).


CONCLUSIONS
Dysembryogenesis may contribute to the clinical heterogeneity of autistic children.
Developmental Paediatrics Unit, Christian Medical College (CMC) and Hospital, Vellore, India. Correspondence to: Dr Susan Mary Zachariah, Developmental Paediatrics Unit, CMC, Vellore, India. suz.mary@gmail.com.
Susan Mary
SM
Zachariah
Samuel Philip
SP
Oommen
Caroline Sanjeev
CS
Padankatti
Hannah
H
Grace
Lincy
L
Glory
D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000145:classification* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D002658:Developmental Disabilities; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence