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Published on: September 6, 2024
Exploring Parental Factors in Autism Spectrum Disorder Risk: A Case-Control Study
Mahmoud A Bashtawi1, Ayah A Al-Zgool2, Dima A Al Sharman2
1Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Petra St, P.O. BOX 3030, Irbid, 22110, Jordan. mabashtawi5@just.edu.jo.
Maternal and Child Health Journal
|August 6, 2026
Summary
Parental age, male sex, and a family history of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are independently associated with increased ASD risk. These findings emphasize the influence of genetic and demographic factors in ASD development.
Area of Science:
- Neurodevelopmental disorders
- Genetics and genomics
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition.
- Diagnosis relies on developmental history and behavioral observation.
- Parental age is a recognized potential risk factor for ASD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between parental age (maternal and paternal), parental education, smoking history, and the risk of ASD.
- To identify key demographic and familial factors contributing to ASD risk.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study involving 154 individuals with ASD and 335 controls.
- Data collection via structured questionnaires and interviews for demographic, clinical, and familial information.
- Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics and chi-square tests.
Main Results:
- Increased paternal age (OR=1.08) and maternal age (OR=1.09) were independently associated with ASD risk.
- Male sex (OR=4.13) and a family history of ASD (OR=2.40) were significant independent risk factors.
- NICU admission and preterm delivery were more frequent in the ASD group.
Conclusions:
- Parental age, male sex, and family history of ASD are independent risk factors.
- Genetic and demographic factors play a crucial role in ASD etiology.
- Further longitudinal studies are recommended to understand ASD risk trajectories.
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