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Patients with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) have larger mean head circumference and enlarged brain gray and white matter than healthy controls in cross-sectional studies (e.g., J Neurosci 2010; 30:4419). Do brain-growth trajectories from age 6 months to 2 years also differ? To address this question prospectively, investigators analyzed repeated magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans and comprehensive behavioral assessments in very young children — 33 high-risk participants (siblings of children diagnosed with ASD) and 23 low-risk children. Scans and assessments occurred at ages 6 or 9 months, 12 to 15 months, and 18 to 24 months.
Ten high-risk participants (33%), but no low-risk participants, developed ASD by age 36 months. Eight high-ris…