Premature Birth, Low Birth Weight, and Positive Screening for Autism Spectrum Disorder in an Early Intervention Sample

Young children (n = 7526) assessed within a statewide early intervention program between 2008 and 2015 were screened for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) using the Baby and Infant Screen for Children with aUtIsm Traits- Part 1 (BISCUIT- Part 1). The relationship between premature birth, birth weight, and ASD screening outcome was examined using bivariate analyses and multivariate logistic regression analyses (adjusted for child’s gender, ethnicity, age at screening, and developmental delays). Results indicated that birth weight was a stronger predictor of screening outcome than premature birth, with very low birth weight (<1500 g) significantly reducing the odds of a positive ASD screen by approximately 50%. Delays in the developmental domains of Personal-Social and Communication were the strongest predictors of a positive ASD screen, increasing the odds by more than three times.