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Beyond Baby Siblings—Expanding the Definition of “High-Risk Infants” in Autism Research

  • Autism Spectrum Disorders (ES Brodkin, Section Editor)
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Much of our understanding of early development in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) comes from studies of children with a family history of autism. We reviewed the current literature on neurodevelopmental profiles and autism prevalence from other high-risk infant groups to expose gaps and inform next steps. We focused on infants with early medical risk (e.g., preterm birth) and genetic risk (tuberous sclerosis complex [TSC]).

Recent Findings

About 7% of very preterm infants are later diagnosed with ASD. Prospective studies of early development outside of familial-risk infants are rare; however, recent work within preterm and TSC infants suggests interesting similarities and differences from infants with a family history of ASD.

Summary

It is essential that we extend our knowledge of early markers of ASD beyond familial-risk infants to expand our knowledge of autism as it emerges in order to develop better, more individualized early interventions.

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Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance •• Of major importance

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Funding

Dr. McDonald's work on this review was support by a career development award from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (1 K23 HD096046-01A1), and Dr. Jeste's by a National Institute of Health Autism Center of Excellence grant (5 P50 HD055784-13).

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  1. UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, 760 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA

    Nicole M. McDonald & Shafali S. Jeste

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Correspondence to Nicole M. McDonald.

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McDonald, N.M., Jeste, S.S. Beyond Baby Siblings—Expanding the Definition of “High-Risk Infants” in Autism Research. Curr Psychiatry Rep 23, 34 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-021-01243-x

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