Relationships between maternal adverse childhood experiences and autistic behaviors in preschool children

Abstract

Objective To explore the prevalence of maternal adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and the association with autistic behavior of preschool children, to provide a basis for the effective prevention of autism occurrence in preschool children.

Methods Through stratified cluster sampling, 3 655 preschool children in Hefei City were selected and surveyed regarding general information. Maternal ACEs and childhood autistic behaviors were assessed using the Adverse Childhood Experiences International Questionnaire and the Clancy Autism Behaviour Scale, respectively. Multiple Logistic regression model was used to analyze the correlation between maternal ACEs and child autistic behaviors.

Results The prevalence of autistic behavior was 6.10%, with significantly higher in boys (7.22%) than girls (4.86%) ( χ ²=8.85, P<0.01). After adjustment for the confounding factors, the detection rate of autistic behaviors was higher in children of mother with ACEs than those of mother without ( OR = 2.77, 95% CI = 1.92–3.99, P<0.05). Maternal ACEs were associated with an increased risk of autistic behaviors both in preschool boys and girls (boys: OR = 2.90, 95% CI = 1.81–4.64; girls: OR = 2.56, 95% CI = 1.43–4.61, all P<0.05).

Conclusion Maternal ACEs are associated with increased risk of autistic behaviors among preschool children. More attention should be paid to the intergenerational effects of maternal ACEs to reduce risk of autism among preschool children.

Abstract

【摘要】 目的 了解母亲童年期不良经历(adverse childhood experiences, ACEs)和学龄前儿童自闭症行为发生的相关性, 为有效预防学龄前儿童自闭症发生提供依据。 方法 采用分层整群抽样方法, 选取合肥市3 655名幼儿园儿童, 了解儿童 一般基本情况, 采用童年期不良经历问卷(ACEs–IQ)和克氏自闭症行为量表(CABS)分别评估母亲ACEs和儿童自闭症行 为情况。建立多因素Logistic回归模型, 控制相关混杂因素, 分析母亲ACEs对学龄前儿童自闭症行为的影响。 结果 学 龄前儿童自闭症行为检出率为6.10%, 男童(7.22%)髙于女童(4.86%), 差异有统计学意义( χ ² = 8.85, P<0.01)。调整相关 混杂因素后, 母亲有ACEs组学龄前儿童自闭症行为的检出率髙于母亲无ACEs组 [ OR 值 (95% CI)= 2.77 (1.92~3.99), P< 0.05]。母亲 ACEs 与学龄前男童、女童自闭症行为的风险增加相关, 男童 OR 值 (95% CI)= 2.90(1.81~4.64), 女童 OR 值 (95% CI)= 2.56(1.43~4.61)( P 值均<0.05)。 结论 母亲ACEs暴露与学龄前儿童自闭症行为相关, 降低学龄前儿童自闭 症行为需要关注母亲ACEs的代际影响。