Pregnancy Planning and its Association with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Findings from the Study to Explore Early Development.

OBJECTIVES: To examine associations between pregnancy planning and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in offspring. METHODS: The Study to Explore Early Development (SEED), a multi-site case-control study, enrolled preschool-aged children with ASD, other DDs, and from the general population (POP). Some children with DDs had ASD symptoms but did not meet the ASD case definition. We examined associations between mother's report of trying to get pregnant (pregnancy planning) and (1) ASD and (2) ASD symptomatology (ASD group, plus DD with ASD symptoms group combined) (each vs. POP group). We computed odds ratios adjusted for demographic, maternal, health, and perinatal health factors (aORs) via logistic regression. Due to differential associations by race-ethnicity, final analyses were stratified by race-ethnicity. RESULTS: Pregnancy planning was reported by 66.4%, 64.8%, and 76.6% of non-Hispanic White (NHW) mothers in the ASD, ASD symptomatology, and POP groups, respectively. Among NHW mother-child pairs, pregnancy planning was inversely associated with ASD (aOR = 0.71 [95% confidence interval 0.56-0.91]) and ASD symptomatology (aOR = 0.67 [0.54-0.84]). Pregnancy planning was much less common among non-Hispanic Black mothers (28-32% depending on study group) and Hispanic mothers (49-56%) and was not associated with ASD or ASD symptomatology in these two race-ethnicity groups. CONCLUSION: Pregnancy planning was inversely associated with ASD and ASD symptomatology in NHW mother-child pairs. The findings were not explained by several adverse maternal or perinatal health factors. The associations observed in NHW mother-child pairs did not extend to other race-ethnicity groups, for whom pregnancy planning was lower overall.

Association Between Change in Physical Activity During Pregnancy and Infant Birth Weight.

OBJECTIVE: We assessed whether total, recreational, and non-recreational physical activity (PA) assessed twice during pregnancy, and its change, were associated with infant birth weight and small for gestational age (SGA). METHODS: We included 1467 Pregnancy, Infection, and Nutrition 3 Study participants who self-reported PA at time 1 (T1: 17-22 weeks' gestation) and time 2 (T2: 27-30 weeks' gestation). We assessed last week absolute intensities of PA (moderate: 4.7-7.1 METs; and vigorous: > 7.1 METs) and perceived intensities. Change in hours/week of PA was assessed continuously or categorically (increase or decrease ≥ 1 hour, and no change). Associations of continuous PA hours/week at T1, T2, and its change, with sex-specific z-scores of birth weight, were assessed using multivariable linear robust regressions. We used logistic regressions to assess categorical PA measures with SGA. Models were adjusted for adequacy of maternal weight gain, general health, maternal age, parity, race/ethnicity, and smoking. RESULTS: Hours/week of total and recreational absolute intensities of PA at T1, T2, and its change were generally not associated with birth weight, although two measures of non-recreational PA at T2 and its change were associated with increased birth weight. Perceived intensities of PA (at T1, T2, and its change) were largely not associated with sex-specific z-scores of infant birth weight. Absolute and perceived intensity PA were not associated with SGA. CONCLUSIONS FOR PRACTICE: In this observational cohort, increases and decreases in PA during pregnancy were not associated with differential changes in birthweight or SGA.

Reasons for participation in a child development study: Are cases with developmental diagnoses different from controls?

BACKGROUND: Current knowledge about parental reasons for allowing child participation in research comes mainly from clinical trials. Fewer data exist on parents' motivations to enrol children in observational studies. OBJECTIVES: Describe reasons parents of preschoolers gave for participating in the Study to Explore Early Development (SEED), a US multi-site study of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other developmental delays or disorders (DD), and explore reasons given by child diagnostic and behavioural characteristics at enrolment. METHODS: We included families of children, age 2-5 years, participating in SEED (n = 5696) during 2007-2016. We assigned children to groups based on characteristics at enrolment: previously diagnosed ASD; suspected ASD; non-ASD DD; and population controls (POP). During a study interview, we asked parents their reasons for participating. Two coders independently coded responses and resolved discrepancies via consensus. We fit binary mixed-effects models to evaluate associations of each reason with group and demographics, using POP as reference. RESULTS: Participants gave 1-5 reasons for participation (mean = 1.7, SD = 0.7). Altruism (48.3%), ASD research interest (47.4%) and perceived personal benefit (26.9%) were most common. Two novel reasons were knowing someone outside the household with the study conditions (peripheral relationship; 14.1%) and desire to contribute to a specified result (1.4%). Odds of reporting interest in ASD research were higher among diagnosed ASD participants (odds ratio [OR] 2.89, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.49-3.35). Perceived personal benefit had higher odds among diagnosed (OR 1.92, 95% CI 1.61-2.29) or suspected ASD (OR 3.67, 95% CI 2.99-4.50) and non-ASD DD (OR 1.80, 95% CI 1.50-2.16) participants. Peripheral relationship with ASD/DD had lower odds among all case groups. CONCLUSIONS: We identified meaningful differences between groups in parent-reported reasons for participation. Differences demonstrate an opportunity for future studies to tailor recruitment materials and increase the perceived benefit for specific prospective participants.

Maternal Physical Activity at Term and Spontaneous Labor: A Case-Crossover Study.

BACKGROUND: This study assessed associations between antenatal physical activity and the onset of spontaneous labor (SL). METHODS: Data were taken from 541 participants in the third pregnancy, infection, and nutrition study who had no contraindications to antenatal physical activity. An interviewer-administered questionnaire assessed labor triggers, gestational age at birth, and physical activity within the week (24 h to 7 d) and the 24-hour period (0-24 h) prior to SL. A case-crossover design examined the association between physical activity (recreational, occupational, or any) and the risk of onset of SL within the subsequent 24 hours. RESULTS: Overall, 21% (any), 26% (recreational), and 14% (occupational) of participants reported physical activity during the week; whereas 5% (any), 7% (recreational), and 3% (occupational) reported physical activity during the 24-hour period, prior to SL onset. Participants who reported any or occupational physical activity during the 24-hour period had a decreased likelihood of SL within the subsequent 24 hours, while participants who reported at least 30 minutes of recreational physical activity had an increased likelihood. Results remained consistent among early, full, or postterm participants. CONCLUSION: Recreational, but not occupational, physical activity at term may increase the likelihood of SL; however, the authors cannot rule out reverse causality.

Maternal prepregnancy weight and gestational weight gain in association with autism and developmental disorders in offspring.

OBJECTIVE: Maternal prepregnancy BMI and gestational weight gain (GWG) are examined in relation to autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other developmental disorders (DD) in offspring in a multisite case-control study. METHODS: Maternal prepregnancy BMI, obtained from medical records or self-report, was categorized as underweight, normal weight, overweight, obesity Class 1, or obesity Class 2/3. GWG was standardized for gestational age (GWG z score), and the rate (pounds/week) was categorized per adherence with clinical recommendations. Logistic regression models, adjusting for demographic factors, were used to assess associations with ASD (n = 1,159) and DD (n = 1,617), versus control children (n = 1,633). RESULTS: Maternal obesity Class 2/3 was associated with ASD (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.87, 95% CI: 1.40-2.51) and DD (AOR = 1.61, 95% CI: 1.22-2.13). GWG z score was not associated with DD (AOR = 1.14, 95% CI: 0.95-1.36), but the GWG z score highest tertile was associated with higher odds of ASD, particularly among male children (AOR = 1.47, 95% CI: 1.15-1.88). CONCLUSIONS: Results indicate that maternal prepregnancy severe obesity increases risk of ASD and DD in children and suggest high gestational-age-adjusted GWG is a risk factor for ASD in male children. Because maternal BMI and GWG are routinely measured and potentially modifiable, these findings could inform early interventions for high-risk mother-child dyads.

Health Status and Health Care Use Among Adolescents Identified With and Without Autism in Early Childhood - Four U.S. Sites, 2018-2020.

Persons identified in early childhood as having autism spectrum disorder (autism) often have co-occurring health problems that extend into adolescence (1-3). Although only limited data exist on their health and use of health care services as they transition to adolescence, emerging data suggest that a minority of these persons receive recommended guidance* from their primary care providers (PCPs) starting at age 12 years to ensure a planned transition from pediatric to adult health care (4,5). To address this gap in data, researchers analyzed preliminary data from a follow-up survey of parents and guardians of adolescents aged 12-16 years who previously participated in the Study to Explore Early Development (https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/seed.html). The adolescents were originally studied at ages 2-5 years and identified at that age as having autism (autism group) or as general population controls (control group). Adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) that accounted for differences in demographic characteristics were used to compare outcomes between groups. Adolescents in the autism group were more likely than were those in the control group to have physical difficulties (21.2% versus 1.6%; aPR = 11.6; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 4.2-31.9), and to have additional mental health or other conditions† (one or more condition: 63.0% versus 28.9%; aPR = 1.9; 95% CI = 1.5-2.5). Adolescents in the autism group were more likely to receive mental health services (41.8% versus 22.1%; aPR = 1.8, 95% CI = 1.3-2.6) but were also more likely to have an unmet medical or mental health service need§ (11.0% versus 3.2%; aPR = 3.1; 95% CI = 1.1-8.8). In both groups, a small percentage of adolescents (autism, 7.5%; control, 14.1%) received recommended health care transition (transition) guidance. These findings are consistent with previous research (4,5) indicating that few adolescents receive the recommended transition guidance and suggest that adolescents identified with autism in early childhood are more likely than adolescents in the general population to have unmet health care service needs. Improved provider training on the heath care needs of adolescents with autism and coordination of comprehensive programs¶ to meet their needs can improve delivery of services and adherence to recommended guidance for transitioning from pediatric to adult health care.

Relationship of Weight Outcomes, Co-Occurring Conditions, and Severity of Autism Spectrum Disorder in the Study to Explore Early Development.

OBJECTIVE: To assess contributing factors to increased obesity risk, by comparing children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), developmental delays/disorders, and general population controls in weight status, and to examine associations between weight status and presence of co-occurring medical, behavioral, developmental, or psychiatric conditions across groups and ASD severity among children with ASD. STUDY DESIGN: The Study to Explore Early Development is a multisite cross-sectional study of children, 2-5 years of age, classified as children with ASD (n = 668), children with developmental delays/disorders (n = 914), or general population controls (n = 884). Using an observational cohort design, we compared the 3 groups. Children's heights and weights were measured during a clinical visit. Co-occurring conditions (medical, behavioral, developmental/psychiatric) were derived from medical records, interviews, and questionnaires. ASD severity was measured by the Ohio State University Global Severity Scale for Autism. RESULTS: The odds of overweight/obesity were 1.57 times (95% CI 1.24-2.00) higher in children with ASD than general population controls and 1.38 times (95% CI 1.10-1.72) higher in children with developmental delays/disorders than general population controls. The aORs were elevated for children with ASD after controlling for child co-occurring conditions (ASD vs general population controls: aOR = 1.51; 95% CI 1.14-2.00). Among children with ASD, those with severe ASD symptoms were 1.7 times (95% CI 1.1-2.8) more likely to be classified as overweight/obese compared with children with mild ASD symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Prevention of excess weight gain in children with ASD, especially those with severe symptoms, and in children with developmental delays/disorders represents an important target for intervention.

Early life influences on child weight outcomes in the Study to Explore Early Development.

We examined associations between child body mass index at 2-5 years and maternal pre-pregnancy body mass index, gestational weight gain, and rapid weight gain during infancy in children with autism spectrum disorder, developmental delays, or population controls. The Study to Explore Early Development is a multi-site case-control study of children, aged 2-5 years, classified as autism spectrum disorder ( n = 668), developmental delays ( n = 914), or population controls ( n = 884). Maternal gestational weight gain was compared to the Institute of Medicine recommendations. Rapid weight gain was a change in weight-for-age z-scores from birth to 6 months > 0.67 standard deviations. After adjusting for case status, mothers with pre-pregnancy overweight/obesity were 2.38 times (95% confidence interval: 1.96-2.90) more likely, and mothers who exceeded gestational weight gain recommendations were 1.48 times (95% confidence interval: 1.17-1.87) more likely, to have an overweight/obese child than other mothers ( P < 0.001). Children with autism spectrum disorder showed the highest frequency of rapid weight gain (44%) and were 3.47 times (95% confidence interval: 1.85-6.51) more likely to be overweight/obese as children with autism spectrum disorder without rapid weight gain ( P < 0.001). Helping mothers achieve a healthy pre-pregnancy body mass index and gestational weight gain represent important targets for all children. Healthy infant growth patterns carry special importance for children at increased risk for an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis.

Maternal Pre-pregnancy Body Mass Index and Gestational Weight Gain in Relation to Autism Spectrum Disorder and other Developmental Disorders in Offspring.

Most prior studies examining maternal pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) in relation to offspring autism spectrum disorders (ASD) have reported an association, though findings are not uniform and few have also examined gestational weight gain (GWG). Therefore, we examined both in the Study to Explore Early Development, a multi-site case-control study of children born in 2003-2006. Children identified from clinics, schools, and birth certificates were enrolled at ages 2-5 year and using standardized developmental evaluations, classified as: ASD, other developmental delays (DD), or population-based controls. Maternal height, weight, and GWG were self-reported during the telephone interview. Three primary weight risk factors were examined: (a) Pre-pregnancy BMI, classified as underweight to obese, (b) GWG continuous and categorized as quintiles, and (c) Institute of Medicine clinical weight-gain recommendations. Odds ratios adjusted (AOR) for sociodemographic and prenatal factors were calculated among term singletons, comparing the ASD (n = 540) or DD (n = 720) groups to the control group (n = 776). The AOR of ASD and maternal obesity was 1.37 (95%CI 0.98-1.92). Associations with higher GWG were stronger (Quintile5 vs. Quintile3 AOR = 1.58, 95%CI 1.08-2.31), and particularly so among overweight/obese women (AOR = 1.90, 95%CI 0.98-3.68). DD was associated with maternal overweight and obesity (obesity AOR = 1.48, 95%CI 1.08-2.02), but not with total GWG or clinical recommendations. High maternal BMI and GWG are risk factors for other pregnancy and child outcomes, and our results suggest they may also represent modifiable risk factors for neurodevelopmental outcomes. Autism Res 2019, 12: 316-327 © 2018 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc. LAY SUMMARY: In a large, national study, we found that children with autism were more likely than unaffected children to have mothers with higher weight gain during pregnancy; risk of autism may be even stronger if mothers were also overweight before pregnancy. Children with other developmental delays were more likely to have mothers who were overweight or obese before pregnancy, but not who gained more weight during pregnancy. Overweight and weight gain may represent factors that could be modified.

Demographic and Operational Factors Predicting Study Completion in a Multisite Case-Control Study of Preschool Children.

Participant attrition can limit inferences drawn from study results and inflate research costs. We examined factors associated with completion of the Study to Explore Early Development (2007-2011), a multiple-component, case-control study of risk factors for autism spectrum disorder in preschoolers, conducted in California, Colorado, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania. Participants (n = 3,769) were asked to complete phone interviews, questionnaires, an in-person evaluation, and biologic sampling. We examined whether participant demographic and administrative factors predicted completion using mixed-effects logistic regression models. Completion of individual key study components was generally 70% or higher. However, 58% of families completed all per-protocol data elements (defined a priori as key study components). Per-protocol completion differed according to mother's age, race, educational level, driving distance to clinic, number of contact attempts to enroll, and number of telephone numbers provided (all P < 0.05). Case status was not associated with completion, despite additional data collection for case-confirmation. Analysis of a subset that completed an early interview revealed no differences in completion by household factors of income, primary language spoken, number of adults, or number of children with chronic conditions. Differences in completion by race and education were notable and need to be carefully considered in developing future recruitment and completion strategies.

Beliefs about exercise and physical activity among pregnant women.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to document self-reported beliefs about physical activity and exercise among pregnant women. METHODS: The Pregnancy, Infection, and Nutrition (PIN3) Study asked 1306 pregnant women about beliefs regarding physical activity and exercise at 27-30 weeks' gestation. RESULTS: While 78% of women agreed that most women can continue their regular exercise during pregnancy, fewer (68%) agreed that most women who never exercised could begin an exercise program during pregnancy. Most (89%) agreed that regular exercise was better than irregular exercise during pregnancy. While almost all women agreed with the benefits of light activity (98%), fewer agreed that there were benefits with moderate (73%) or vigorous exercise (13%). Differences in beliefs were most notable by educational level, race/ethnicity, and whether they participated in regular exercise during pregnancy. CONCLUSION: Future studies can better elucidate the reasons behind the differences in beliefs, to explore whether cultural reasons are contributing to these differences and whether tailored messages would be more effective than general educational approaches. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: This study provides information to create more successful interventions to help women understand concepts regarding the safety and benefits of physical activity during pregnancy.

Gender and ethnic changes in physical work capacity from childhood through adolescence.

This study determined gender and ethnic differences in physical work capacity (PWC170) of 8-16-year-old American youth as they progress from elementary to high school. A multicohort group of 2,540 youth participated 50.4% girls (21.4% African Americans, and 78.6% Caucasians). PWC170 was predicted from cycle ergometer testing six times over a 7-year period. The absolute PWC170 of girls stabilized in early adolescence, while boys increased with each trial. The PWC170 relative to body weight of girls decreased steadily, whereas the boys remained stable. African Americans had greater absolute PWC170 values than Caucasians (p = .0001). The relative PWC170 was lower for African American girls than Caucasian girls (p = .0001), but there were no ethnic differences for boys (p > .05). Although correlations and grouping suggested moderate tracking; girls with high relative PWC170 tended to migrate to lower levels as they aged, where as high-peforming boys maintained their PWC170 as they aged.

Assessing physical activity in adolescents: common activities of children in 6th-8th grades.

OBJECTIVES: To provide data for physical activity assessment in practice by describing the leisure time activities of adolescents and determining if the activities and the metabolic equivalents (MET levels) of those activities differ for boys and girls. DATA SOURCES: The study was conducted in five middle schools in three rural counties in North Carolina. Subjects were 1,211 6th, 7th, and 8th graders aged 11-14 (mean 12.2) years. Half (52.5%) were girls. The sample was 64% white, 24% African-American and 12% other races. RESULTS: The top five activities of boys were football, basketball, bicycling, running, and baseball; the top five activities of girls were talking, running, walking, bicycling, and dancing. The average MET was 5.3 for boys and 4.3 for girls (p = 0.000). By grade levels, 6th graders had an average MET of 4.9 and the MET of 8th graders was 4.5 (p < 0.05). Older youth, girls, and children of parents with more education reported significantly more sedentary activities than the other youth. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Physical activity is an integral component of overall health. Once activities and activity levels are known, current practices can be augmented or changed to accommodate improved understanding of physical activity. Because an active lifestyle is important in preventing obesity and other chronic conditions and for general health, nurse practitioners (NPs) should ask adolescents about their common activities and encourage them to continue the more vigorous activities and reduce time spent in sedentary pursuits. Prescriptive physical activity can be included for primary, secondary, or even tertiary prevention, thus crossing all levels of NP practice.

A school-based intervention can reduce body fat and blood pressure in young adolescents.

PURPOSE: To determine the effect of increasing the aerobic component of the school's physical activity program and improving the knowledge about weight control and blood pressure on the blood pressure and body fat of early adolescents. METHODS: The subjects were 1140 youth aged 11 to 14 years (630 females, 510 males; 64% white, 24.4% African-American, and 11.6% "other"), who were randomly assigned by school into four treatment groups: exercise only, education only, exercise and education combined, and control group. Heights, weights, and skinfold thicknesses were measured, and body mass index (BMI) was computed kg/m(2). Blood pressure was obtained in duplicate using a random-zero mercury sphygmomanometer. Maximal oxygen uptake was predicted from a submaximal cycle ergometer test. Data were analyzed using analysis of covariance statistics, adjusting for gender, ethnicity, age, socioeconomic status, and initial baseline characteristics. RESULTS: Systolic and diastolic blood pressures increased more in the control group than in the intervention groups (p =.001). The BMI did not change significantly (p =.709), but the sum of skinfolds increased less in subjects in the exercise intervention groups than the education only or control groups (p =.0001). The small increase in (p)VO(2)max of the combined exercise and education group was significantly greater than the education only group (p =.0001). CONCLUSION: An exercise program for youth can have a positive effect on blood pressure independent of body weight loss.

Predicted maximal aerobic power in youth is related to age, gender, and ethnicity.

PURPOSE: To determine the effects of age, gender, and ethnicity on the predicted aerobic power of youth as they age from 8 to 16 yr. METHODS: The sample was a multicohort group of 2540 African Americans (N = 543) and Caucasians (N = 1997), 1279 (50.4%) girls and 1261 (49.6%) boys. Heights, weights, and sum of skin folds (triceps + subscapular) were measured. Aerobic power ((p)VO(2max)), expressed in relative (mL x kg(-1) x min(-1)) or absolute (L x min(-1)) terms, was predicted from a three-stage cycle ergometry test. RESULTS: Quadratic mixed-model analysis indicated that boys had higher relative and absolute (p)VO(2max) than the girls (P = 0.0004). The African American subjects had a higher absolute (p)VO(2max) (L x min(-1)) than the Caucasians, but their relative (p)VO(2max) was lower than the Caucasians (P = 0.031). Finally, age had a significant effect on (p)VO(2max) (P = 0.0001). The absolute (p)VO(2max) of the girls increased 9%.yr(-1) until age 14; but their relative (p)VO(2max) declined approximately 1.2 mL x kg(-1) x min(-1) x yr(-1). The absolute (p)VO(2max) for the boys increased yearly by approximately 14% from ages 8 to 16 yr, but the relative (p)VO(2max) of the African American males was stable from ages 8 to 11, then dropped, and stabilized again between ages 12 and 16 yr. The relative (p)VO(2max) of the Caucasian boys declined from ages 8 to 10, but then increased slightly from age 12 to 16 yr. In addition, the interactions of age and gender, and age squared and gender were significant (P < 0.02). CONCLUSION: These data indicate that although absolute (p)VO(2max) (L x min(-1)) increases from age 8 to 16 yr, relative (p)VO(2max) (mL x kg(-1) x min(-1)) declines. The decline appears to be related to increased fat mass. Similarly, the higher relative (p)VO(2max) (mL x kg(-1) x min(-1)) of the Caucasian youth compared with the African American youth was related to lower weights and skin folds of the Caucasian youth.