Macrocephaly, Autism Not Linked in Twin Study
The Autism News | English
TORONTO – Macroencephaly was not significantly more common in twins with autism spectrum disorders than in their unaffected co-twins, according to data from 202 twin pairs presented at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.
Macroencephaly, defined as a head circumference greater than the 97th percentile, is a common physical characteristic of children with autism spectrum disorders, said Dr. Wendy Froehlich of Stanford (Calif.) University and her colleagues.
The researchers recruited 404 children (202 twin pairs) aged 4-18 years. At least one twin in each pair met criteria for an autism spectrum disorder. The children were identified through the California Department of Public Health’s Department of Developmental Services.
Overall, there were no significant differences in the rates of macrocephaly between affected and unaffected twins. Macrocephaly was noted in 20% of boys and 27% of girls with autism spectrum disorders and in 19% of boys and 24% of girls who were unaffected co-twins.
The researchers also examined the relationship between head circumference and cognitive measures. After age and gender were controlled for, small but significant negative correlations were found between head circumference and Verbal Intelligence Quotient (VIQ) and Full Scale Intelligence Quotient (FSIQ) in twins with autism spectrum disorders, but there was no correlation between head circumference and other autistic symptoms or functioning.
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