Effect of Childhood Autism on Physical Growth and Development in Children Aged 2～7 Years

Xu Xiaomei; Wei Mingxiang; Lai Huaji

doi:10.3969/j.issn.1004-5775.2025.12.013

Abstract：Objective:To explore the effects of childhood autism on physical growth and development of children aged 2 to 7 years,and to understand the physical development of children with childhood autism more comprehensively,and correct the deviation of physical growth and development as soon as possible.Methods:A total of 300 children with autism spectrum disorder treated in Shaoguan First People's Hospital from July 2021 to June 2023 were retrospectively selected,including 180 urban children and 120 rural children.300 healthy children were selected as the healthy control group,including 180 urban children and 120 rural children,with the same age distribution as the autism group.The general information,height and weight of children in different ages,height and weight of children with autism in different places,physical development and nutritional status of children with autism in different groups were compared between the two groups.Results:The proportion of male children in the autism group was higher than that in the healthy control group,and the difference was statistically significant(χ2=5.391,P＜0.05).The height and weight of children aged 2 to 3 years old,4 to 5 years old and 6 to 7 years old in autism group were lower than those in healthy control group,the difference was statistically significant(t=2.957,7.487,4.736,3.908,4.606,5.289;P＜0.05).The height and weight of children aged 2 to 3 years old,4 to 5 years old and 6 to 7 years old in urban autism group were higher than those in rural autism group(t=3.352,3.636,2.093,2.779,3.94,3.373;P＜0.05).WAZ of autistic boys was higher than that of girls,BAZ of children with different age and autism severity was different,the difference was statistically significant(t=3.385;F=29.217,9.324;P＜0.05).Conclusion:Children with childhood autism from 2 to 7 years old have deviations in physical growth and development,and need to strengthen nutrition supplements in time to correct as soon as possible.