Abstract
In the introductory part of the article, new data on increasing prevalence of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in the last decade are summarized. ASD prevalence has currently been estimated as high as 1% of general pediatric population.
Some explanations of this trend are given. In the second part of the article, a problem of preterm newborns with very low (VLBW, 1000–1500 g) and extremely low (ELBW, under 1000 g) birth weight is introduced.
Studies of VLBW and ELBW children who seem to be at increased risk of autism are reviewed. The prevalence of ASD has been estimated to be in range 1–8% in these at risk samples.
The findings support the hypothesis of an increased ASD prevalence in preterm children. Screening for ASD in very and extremely preterm children may help to improve the early diagnostics of autism.