The relationship between premature birth and caregiver first concern in toddlers with autism spectrum disorder: A brief report

ABSTRACT

The current study examines the relationship between premature birth and the age at which caregivers first become concerned with their child’s development in a sample of 84 toddlers with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The participants were split into two groups: those born prematurely and those born full term. The results indicate that the age of caregiver first concern is significantly younger for those born prematurely than those born full term. The average age caregivers reported first becoming concerned about their child’s development was around 7 months for participants born prematurely and around 13 months for participants born full term. Possible explanations for the results and their implications are discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• Premature
• first concern
• autism spectrum disorder
• intervention
• diagnosis

Disclosure statement

Deann Matson, Dr. Johnny Matson’s wife, is the sole owner of the Baby and Infant Screen for Children with aUtIsm Traits (BISCUIT) and sells the scale.