Screening for Autism in Preterm Children: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Objective: Preterm children exhibit a higher prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) than the general population. The unique neurodevelopmental characteristics of preterm children present challenges in screening for and diagnosing ASD. To date, a systematic review of screening tools for ASD in this population has not been completed. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluates the diagnostic performance of currently used ASD screening tools in the preterm population.

Methods: The database search was conducted by using MEDLINE, PsycINFO, PubMed, Embase, and CINAHL in July 2024. Articles that quantified the diagnostic accuracy of ASD screening tools in the preterm population were included. Nine studies were included in this review, and only 4 studies in the meta-analyses. All studies were assessed for risk of bias, applicability, and certainty.

Results: Sensitivity of screening tools for ASD in preterm children ranged from 0% to 100%, whereas specificity ranged from 38% to 98%. Pooled data were available for the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (2 studies) and Social Communication Questionnaire. (2 studies), with pooled sensitivities of 55% and 53% and specificities 85% and 90%, respectively.

Conclusions: There was significant study heterogeneity, limiting the number of studies from which to pool diagnostic accuracy data. Screening tools vary in their ability to identify ASD in the preterm population, underscoring how overlapping behavioral phenotypes may confound early identification. There is a critical need to refine and assess ASD screening tools in preterm children, facilitating timely interventions in this cohort.