Parental ADHD and ASD symptoms and contributions of psychosocial risk to childhood ADHD and ASD symptoms in children born very preterm

J Perinatol. 2023 Apr;43(4):458-464. doi: 10.1038/s41372-022-01463-w. Epub 2022 Jul 15.

Abstract

Objectives: Examine maternal and paternal ADHD and ASD symptoms in relation to very preterm (VPT) and full-term (FT) children's ADHD and ASD symptoms.

Study design: In this longitudinal study, maternal- and teacher-report of child ADHD and ASD symptoms were obtained for 119 children (VPT = 79, FT = 40) at age 5-years using the Conner's Rating Scale-Revised (CRS-R) and Social Responsiveness Scale-2 (SRS-2). A biological parent completed self- and observer-report CRS-R and SRS-2, and measures of mood/affect, stress, and social support to assess psychosocial distress. Data were analyzed using mixed-effect models adjusted for covariates.

Results: Child ADHD symptoms were associated with VPT birth, maternal distress, and maternal ADHD symptoms (p ≤ 0.02), and paternal ADHD symptoms (p < 0.001). Regarding ASD, VPT birth and parental ASD symptoms were associated with child ASD symptoms (p ≤ 0.009). Parental symptoms and birth group had no interaction.

Conclusions: VPT birth and parental psychopathology represent independent risks for ADHD and ASD.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity* / diagnosis
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity* / epidemiology
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity* / psychology
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder* / diagnosis
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder* / epidemiology
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant, Extremely Premature
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Male
  • Parents / psychology
  • Premature Birth* / epidemiology