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

Area of Science:

• Neurodevelopmental disorders
• Genetics and genomics
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition diagnosed via developmental history and behavioral observation.
• Parental age is recognized as a potential risk factor contributing to ASD development.

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 influencing autism risk.

Main Methods:

• A case-control study design was employed, including 154 individuals diagnosed with ASD and 335 controls.
• Data collection involved structured questionnaires and interviews to gather demographic, clinical, and familial information.
• Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics and chi-square tests for categorical variables to assess associations.

Main Results:

• Advanced paternal age (OR=1.08) and maternal age (OR=1.09) were independently associated with increased ASD risk.
• Male sex (OR=4.13) and a family history of ASD (OR=2.40) were also significant independent predictors of ASD.
• While mothers commonly held bachelor's degrees, fathers' educational backgrounds varied; NICU admission and preterm delivery were more frequent in the ASD group.

Conclusions:

• Parental age, male sex, and a family history of ASD are independently associated with a higher risk of developing ASD.
• These findings underscore the interplay of genetic and demographic factors in ASD etiology.
• Further longitudinal studies are recommended to elucidate ASD risk trajectories over time.