Premature infants are five times more likely to suffer from autism than children born at normal weights scientists say. Children born between September 1984 and July 1987 in Britain and the US with weights between 500 and 2000 grams were followed for 21 years for this study. 'Cognitive problems in these children may mask underlying autism' said Jennifer Pinto-Martin who led the study reported the journal Paediatrics citing a Penn University School of Nursing statement. 'Emerging studies suggest that low birthweight may be a risk factor for autism spectrum disorders' added Pinto-Martin director Centre for Autism and Developmental Disabilities Research
