Exploring Parental Factors in Autism Spectrum Disorder Risk: A Case-Control Study

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition. Diagnosis is based on developmental history and behavioral observation. Parental age has been identified as a potential risk factor for ASD.

This study aimed to assess the association between maternal age, paternal age, parental education level, smoking history, and ASD risk.

This case-control study included 154 individuals with ASD and 335 controls. Demographic, clinical, and familial data were collected through structured questionnaires and interviews. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics and chi-square tests for categorical variables.

A total of 489 participants were included (154 ASD cases and 335 controls). The ASD group was predominantly male (77%), compared with the control group (68%). Mothers in both groups most commonly held a bachelor's degree (40%), while fathers showed more variable educational backgrounds. A family history of ASD was significantly more frequent in the ASD group (23%) compared with controls (5.4%), whereas a family history of psychiatric disorders showed no significant difference (15% vs. 11%). NICU admission (11% vs. 2.4%) and preterm delivery (7.3% vs. 1.8%) were more common in the ASD group. In multivariable analysis, paternal age (adjusted OR = 1.08, 95% CI: 1.03-1.14), maternal age (adjusted OR = 1.09, 95% CI: 1.03-1.15), male sex (adjusted OR = 4.13, 95% CI: 2.38-7.16), and family history of ASD (adjusted OR = 2.40, 95% CI: 1.09-5.30) were independently associated with ASD.

ASD risk was independently associated with parental age, male sex, and family history of ASD, highlighting the role of genetic and demographic factors. Prospective longitudinal studies are needed to further clarify ASD risk trajectories.