Early generalized overgrowth in autism spectrum disorder: prevalence rates, gender effects, and clinical outcomes.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Although early head and body overgrowth have been well documented in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), their prevalence and significance remain unclear. It is also unclear whether overgrowth affects males and females differentially, and whether it is associated with clinical outcomes later in life.

Method

To evaluate prevalence of somatic overgrowth, gender effects, and associations with clinical outcomes, head circumference, height, and weight measurements were collected retrospectively between birth and 2 years of age in toddlers with ASD (n = 200) and typically developing (TD; n = 147) community controls. Symptom severity, verbal, and nonverbal functioning were assessed at 4 years.

Results

Abnormalities in somatic growth in infants with ASD were consistent

SUBMITTER: Campbell DJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4173120 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature