Minor physical anomalies in childhood autism. Part I. Their relationship to pre- and perinatal complications.

In a study of minor physical anomalies and pregnancy complications in autistic children, 45 probands and 52 of their siblings were investigated. While there was a significant association between autism on one hand and minor physical anomalies and pregnancy complications on the other, no such association was found between physical anomalies and pregnancy and birth complications. Further, autistic children with higher anomaly scores had lower IQs, more frequent hospitalizations, and a more normal family history compared to autistic children with lower physical anomaly scores.