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Risk factors for autism and Asperger syndrome. Perinatal factors and migration

Nils G S Haglund1, Karin B M Källén

  • 1Malmoe Child and Youth Habilitation Center, Sweden. nils.haglund@hotmail.com

Autism : the International Journal of Research and Practice
|October 7, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Obstetric complications and maternal origin impact autism risk. Children born to mothers from sub-Saharan Africa or East Asia showed higher autism rates.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Neurodevelopmental Disorders
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Asperger syndrome are neurodevelopmental conditions with complex etiologies.
  • Understanding risk factors, including obstetric and demographic variables, is crucial for early identification and intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between obstetric sub-optimality and maternal birthplace with autism and Asperger syndrome in a Swedish population.
  • To identify specific demographic groups with altered risk for these neurodevelopmental conditions.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective cohort study using the Swedish Medical Birth Registry (MBR).
  • Inclusion of 250 children diagnosed with autism or Asperger syndrome born in Malmoe (1980-2005).
  • Comparison with a reference group of children born in Malmoe during the same period.

Main Results:

  • Obstetric sub-optimality (prematurity, low Apgar scores, growth restriction, macrosomia) was linked to increased autism risk, but not Asperger syndrome.
  • Maternal birth outside Nordic countries was associated with higher autism risk (OR 2.2) and lower Asperger syndrome risk (OR 0.6).
  • Highest autism risk observed for children of mothers from sub-Saharan Africa (OR 7.3) and East Asia (OR 3.4).

Conclusions:

  • Obstetric factors and maternal geographic origin are significant risk indicators for autism.
  • Specific maternal demographic backgrounds, particularly from sub-Saharan Africa and East Asia, are associated with substantially elevated autism risk.
  • Findings highlight the need for culturally sensitive approaches in autism diagnosis and support.

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