ORIGINAL ARTICLE Early Generalized Overgrowth in Boys With Autism

Context: Multiple studies have reported an over-growth in head circumference (HC) in the first year of life in autism. However, it is unclear whether this phe-nomenon is independent of overall body growth and whether it is associated with specific social or cognitive features. Objectives: To examine the trajectory of early HC growth in autism compared with control groups; to assess whether HC growth in autism is independent of height and weight growth during infancy; and to examine HC growth from birth to 24 months in relationship to social, verbal, cog-nitive, and adaptive functioning levels. Design: Retrospective study. Setting: A specialized university-based clinic. Participants: Boys diagnosed as having autistic disor