A Community-Based Study of Antenatal and Neonatal Risk Factors in Autism Spectrum Disorder

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Medicine
• Neurodevelopmental Disorders
• Genetics

Background:

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition.
• Identifying risk factors is crucial for early intervention and understanding etiology.
• Community-based assessments are vital for capturing a representative population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To screen a community cohort for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
• To identify associated antenatal and neonatal risk factors in children diagnosed with ASD.
• To conduct detailed clinical and genetic assessments for confirmed ASD cases.

Main Methods:

• A two-stage cross-sectional study screened children aged 1.5-10 years using the Chandigarh Autism Screening Instrument.
• Children scoring above 10 underwent detailed assessment with the Childhood Autism Rating Scale and Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised.
• Risk factors were evaluated, including karyotype and fragile X testing for ASD diagnoses.

Main Results:

• Children with ASD showed significantly higher rates of antenatal complications, including pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) and bleeding per vaginum (BPV).
• Strong associations were found between ASD and birth asphyxia, cardiorespiratory problems, metabolic abnormalities, and neonatal sepsis.
• Multivariate analysis indicated substantially increased odds for PIH and BPV in mothers of children with ASD.

Conclusions:

• Antenatal and neonatal complications are significant risk factors associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
• Early identification of these risk factors may aid in the early diagnosis and management of ASD.
• Further research into the biological mechanisms linking these factors to ASD is warranted.