malformation

malformation /mal·for·ma·tion/ (-for-ma´shun)

1. a type of anomaly.

2. a morphologic defect of an organ or larger region of the body, resulting from an intrinsically abnormal developmental process.

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mal·for·ma·tion (mlfôr-mshn)

n.

Abnormal or anomalous formation or structure; deformity.

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malformation

[mal′fôrmā′shən]

Etymology: L, malus, bad, forma, shape

an anomalous structure in the body. See also congenital anomaly.

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malformation

defective or abnormal formation; deformity; an anatomical aberration, especially one acquired during development.

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malformation

Neonatology An isolated birth defect caused by abnormal growth of an organ, which, if surgical correction is possible, usually has a good prognosis. See Arnold-Chiari malformation, Arteriovenous malformation, Birth defect, Cerebral cavernous malformation, Cleft palate, Cystic adenomatoid malformation, Dandy-Walker malformation, Dysmorphology, Spina bifida, Teratogenesis.

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Patient discussion about malformation.

Q. Is it a birth defect in children? I know about the causes of autism. Is it a birth defect in children?

A. it's not an easy answer i'm afraid...there are congenital differences, but no "birth defect" that we can detect. there's a good pdf file that gives a full explanation about it...i think you'll find it useful:
http://209.85.129.132/search?q=cache:U7PHTfTAZhYJ:www.nichd.nih.gov/publications/pubs/upload/autism_overview_2005.pdf+http://www.nichd.nih.gov/publications/pubs/upload/autism_overview_2005.pdf&hl=iw&ct=clnk&cd=1&gl=il