A cohort study on prematurity as an indicator of autistic symptom severity

Abstract

Using the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) database of the Department of Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine of The University of Hong Kong, a retrospective cohort study was carried out exploring the relationship between prematurity and symptom severity by using Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS). The premature group was found to have no significant difference in total CARS score as compared to the full term group, and no significant correlation was found between CARS score and gestational age [GA] (for children diagnosed or with suspected ASDs). Significantly higher numbers of the premature group (GA 37 weeks, N = 130) had multiple births, family history of ASDs or related disorders, pre/perinatal complications, as well as a significantly lower mean birth weight as compared to the full term group (GA > 37 weeks, N = 683). Mean total CARS score of very premature cases (M = 32.20, SD = 6.29) was found to be 2 points lower than mean total CARS score of those that were full term (GA > 37 weeks [M = 34.08, SD = 6.53]). However, the result was not statistically significant by unpaired t-test analysis. Therefore, results in this cohort show no relationship between prematurity and CARS score of children with ASDs, however further studies should be carried out in order to better validate existing findings.