Autism and head circumference in the first year of life

Torrey, E. Fuller; Dhavale, Dawn; Lawlor, John; Yolken, Robert H.

doi:10.1016/j.biopsych.2004.09.014

Cited by 56 publications

(64 citation statements)

References 20 publications

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“…The basic finding of brain overgrowth in the first few years of life is now well replicated, although the regional specificity, relative gray and white matter contribution to the overgrowth, and issues of laterality remain to be clarified [Courchesne et al, 2003;Dementieva et al, 2005;Hazlett et al, 2005;Klimkeit and Bradshaw, 2006;Minshew et al, 2005;Piven et al, 1992]. It now appears that overall body growth may be similarly affected [Dissanayake et al, 2006;Lainhart et al, 2006;Miles et al, 2000;Sacco et al, 2007;Torrey et al, 2004]. It is particularly noteworthy in the context of this commentary that recent studies indicate that family members also often display macrocephaly [Folstein, personal communication, December 2007;Geschwind, 2007;Sacco et al, 2007], making it less likely that brain overgrowth is an emergent phenomenon (as defined here).…”

Section: Morphological Abnormalitiesmentioning

confidence: 98%

The potential role for emergence in autism

Anderson

2008

Autism Research

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Although most research on autistic behavior has considered autism categorically, the increasingly apparent genetic and phenotypic complexities of autism are prompting a more dimensional approach to this area. The long-standing interest in a less categorical approach is made clear from a review of literature. The accumulating empirical support for viewing autism-related phenomena as separable and fractionable is outlined and includes data indicating that many of the behaviors occur in isolation in family members and the general population, are not highly correlated within individuals, and appear to be inherited separately. However, it is emphasized that some of the most common and characteristic phenomena observed in individuals diagnosed with autism do not run in their families. It is suggested that these novel, ''emergent,'' phenomena may arise in the individual from interacting configurations of co-occurring traits or from the interaction of genetic and biological factors underlying the traits. A number of autism-related phenomena including intellectual disability, seizures, persistence of primitive reflexes, stereotypies, self-injurious behavior, savant abilities, and morphological abnormalities, among others, are discussed as potentially being emergent. It is concluded that consideration of the role of emergence in autistic behavior and related phenomena should complement a reductionist approach and might help illuminate the components and complexities of autism.

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Section: Morphological Abnormalitiesmentioning

confidence: 98%

The potential role for emergence in autism

Anderson

2008

Autism Research

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“…31 In contrast, studies not focusing on individuals born preterm show harmful effects of faster infant growth, including increased risk for an ASD diagnosis. [27][28][29][30] The discrepancy implies that the underlying mechanisms of ASD and ASD-related traits may depend on prematurity.…”

Section: Figurementioning

confidence: 99%

“…This enabled us to examine the associations between early postnatal growth and ASD-related traits in adulthood, whereas earlier research on growth and ASD has been conducted almost exclusively among children. [27][28][29][30][31] This also enabled us to make adjustments for psychiatric symptomatology that often accompanies ASD-related traits, namely attention-deficit/hyperactivity and anxiety problems. 52,53 Among individuals born preterm, the risk for higher levels of autism-spectrum traits, particularly those related to skills and preferences in social interaction, may persist into young adulthood.…”

Section: Figurementioning

confidence: 99%

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Very Low Birth Weight, Infant Growth, and Autism-Spectrum Traits in Adulthood

et al. 2014

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OBJECTIVES: We examined whether adults born preterm at very low birth weight (VLBW; <1500 g) differ from term-born adults in autism-spectrum traits, and whether among VLBW adults, growth in infancy is associated with these traits. METHODS: A total of 110 VLBW and 104 term-born adults of the Helsinki Study of Very Low Birth Weight Adults completed the Autism-Spectrum Quotient yielding total, social interaction, and attention to detail sum scores. Growth in weight, length, and head circumference from birth to term and from term to 1 year of corrected age was determined as standardized residuals reflecting growth conditional on previous history. RESULTS: VLBW adults scored higher than term-born controls on social interaction sum score, indicating higher autism-spectrum traits. In contrast, they scored lower on attention to detail sum score, indicating lower autism-spectrum traits. Within the VLBW group, faster growth in weight, length, and head circumference from birth to term was associated with lower total and social interaction sum scores. In this group, growth from term to 1 year was not associated with autism-spectrum traits. CONCLUSIONS: Among those born preterm at VLBW, the risk for higher levels of autism-spectrum traits, particularly related to social interaction, may persist into adulthood. Faster growth from birth to term may ameliorate these effects, suggesting that targeted interventions could aid long-term neurodevelopment.

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“…Head circumference measures have shown consistent macrocephaly at a higher rate in autism in adults and children from 1 year (Aylward, Minshew, Field, Sparks, & Singh, 2002;Courchesne, Carper, & Akshoomoff, 2003;Fidler, Bailey, & Smalley, 2000;Fombonne et al, 1999;Gillberg & de Souza, 2002;Lainhart et al, 1997;Miles et al, 2000;Woodhouse et al, 1996). Neonatal measures have been less consistent, with studies showing reduced (Courchesne et al, 2003), normal MasonBrothers et al, 1990;Torrey, Dhavale, Lawlor, & Yolken, 2004), and increased (Gillberg & de Souza, 2002) head circumference. Although there is some level of variability, findings in TBV and head circumference suggest normal measures at birth followed by a pronounced acceleration in growth in early childhood beginning at 1-2 years.…”

Section: Neuroanatomy Total Brain Volumementioning

confidence: 99%

A Review on the Cognitive Neuroscience of Autism

Koyama

2009

Act Nerv Super

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With increased recognition in the media, heightened prevalence, and advances in research technologies, investigation into the causes of autism has broadened in recent years. Studies at the molecular, structural, and behavioral levels have resulted in significant findings, linking autism to qualitative differences in neurological function and an alteration of early development. Familial aggregation of autism demonstrates a strong genetic factor, although genetics can not completely account for its pathogenesis. Studies show autism having one of the most complex pathologies among neurodevelopmental disorders. Future studies applying sophisticated methodologies in new areas may shed light on current mysteries surrounding the disorder.

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Autism and head circumference in the first year of life

Cited by 56 publications

References 20 publications

The potential role for emergence in autism

The potential role for emergence in autism

Very Low Birth Weight, Infant Growth, and Autism-Spectrum Traits in Adulthood

A Review on the Cognitive Neuroscience of Autism

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