Low birth weight children ‘at greater risk from autism’

Children with a low birth weight are significantly more likely to be diagnosed with autism later in life, according to new research.

A study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing has revealed that premature infants are as much as five times more likely to suffer from autism than children born at a normal weight.

This conclusion was drawn after monitoring the progress of 862 test subjects over 21 years, with further studies to investigate possible links between autism and brain haemorrhages among premature infants.

Links between a low birth weight and various motor and cognitive problems have long been established, but this study is the first time a connection has been found to autistic spectrum disorders.

Dr Jennifer Pinto-Martin, director of the Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities Research and Epidemiology at Penn Nursing, said: "As survival of the smallest and most immature babies improves, impaired survivors represent an increasing public health challenge."

Earlier this year, a Cambridge University study showed that autism is more prevalent in IT-rich populations, suggesting that the skills linked to proficiency with technology may have a connection with the condition.