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08:31
Conscious and Non-conscious Representations of Emotional Faces in Asperger's Syndrome
Published on: July 31, 2016
Brief report: Asperger's syndrome and sibling birth order
Karmen Schmidt1, Andrew Zimmerman, Margaret Bauman
1Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
|August 9, 2012
Summary
Firstborn children are significantly more likely to be diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome (AS). This study reviewed 29 patients, finding 86% were firstborn, suggesting a link between birth order and AS risk.
Area of Science:
- Neurodevelopmental Disorders
- Pediatric Psychiatry
- Developmental Psychology
Background:
- Previous research indicates a potential link between birth order and the risk of pervasive developmental disorders.
- Understanding factors influencing neurodevelopmental conditions is crucial for early identification and intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the birth order distribution among individuals diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome (AS).
- To determine if there is a statistically significant association between being firstborn and having AS.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of 29 psychiatrically-referred patients diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome.
- Analysis of birth order status for all included subjects.
- Statistical comparison against expected random distribution.
Main Results:
- Eighty-six percent of the patients with Asperger's Syndrome were firstborn.
- This finding was statistically significant (χ(2) = 9.18, p < 0.01) compared to a random distribution.
- The observed overrepresentation of firstborns in the AS group was notable.
Conclusions:
- A significant association exists between being firstborn and having Asperger's Syndrome.
- Potential underlying mechanisms, such as birth complications or immunological factors, warrant further investigation.
- Birth order may be a relevant factor in the etiology or presentation of AS.
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