A recent study published in the April 2008 issue of Pediatrics looked at preemies who weighed 1500g or less at birth, and found that at an average age of 22 months (adjusted), more than a quarter of them had autistic traits. Researchers followed 91 preemies who had an MRI around their due date, and then were examined as toddlers using the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale, and the Child Behavior Checklist.

Results showed that 26% of the ex-preemies had a positive score on the autism screening tool. The children who had positive scores on the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers were also highly likely to have internalizing behavioral problems on the Child Behavior Checklist and socialization and communication problems on the Vineland Scales.

Not surprisingly, younger, sicker and smaller preemies, as well as males were more likely to have an abnormal autism screening score. Additionally, babies with MRI abnormalities, and those affected by chorioamonitis and intrapartum hemorrhage were also effected more frequently.

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