Minor physical anomalies in ASD and ADHD: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Nord J PsychiatryAug 20, 2026 (epub)
Eren Halaç, Nazan Gündoğan Küçükşahin, Emre Bora
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In 30 seconds
This systematic review and meta-analysis examined minor physical anomalies (MPAs) in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) compared to typically developing controls. The analysis included 12 studies on ASD and 8 on ADHD, revealing that MPAs were significantly elevated in both groups, with a pooled effect size of g = 0.72.
Key findings
- MPAs were significantly elevated in ASD and ADHD compared to controls, with a pooled effect size of g = 0.72.
- Disorder-specific estimates showed MPAs in ASD at g = 0.69 and ADHD at g = 0.77.
- Craniofacial anomalies were more pronounced in ASD than peripheral anomalies.
- Small-study effects in ADHD suggested potential overestimation, but results remained robust.
Why it matters
Understanding the presence of MPAs in ASD and ADHD may aid in identifying early developmental perturbations. This knowledge can enhance diagnostic processes and inform future research on the etiology of these disorders.