Children who had complications shortly before or during their birth, including birth asphyxia and preeclampsia, are more likely to develop autism, according to a new study.
Researchers examined the health records of 594,638 children born between 1991 and 2009, and found that children exposed to complications during birth were ten percent more likely to develop autism spectrum disorders, compared to children who did not experience perinatal complications.
The figure rose to a 22 percent increased risk for children who were exposed to complications before labour started. Children exposed to complications both before and during birth had a 44 percent greater risk of developing ASD.
Author Dr. Darios Getahun says the complications that had the highest association with autism were deprivation of oxygen during birth and preeclampsia,
“Our study suggests that children exposed to certain perinatal complications, especially birth asphyxia and preeclampsia, were more likely to be diagnosed with ASD than those who were not exposed, even after adjusting for factors such as gestational age at birth and a mother’s age, race and education.”
The findings showed that out of 6,255 children diagnosed with ASD, 37 percent had experienced perinatal complications,
“While there currently is no cure for ASD, early identification of children who may be at risk of developing the disorder is extremely important, as research shows that early intervention treatment services for children with ASD can greatly improve their development.”
The study found that other perinatal complications associated with autism included breech or transverse foetal presentation, foetal dystocia, abnormal size or position, premature separation of the placenta from the uterus, and a prolapsed or exposed umbilical cord.
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