Written By: Poorva Chavan | Updated: December 19, 2016, 7:10 PM
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Autism or autism spectrum disorders are developmental disorders that affect communication, behaviour and social relationships. Although the exact cause of the disorder is not known there are certain factors that increase the risk of autism in children. Scroll through to find out.
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Gestational diabetes--A study published in the journal Paediatrics says that gestational diabetes impacts the child's neural development and these kids are at risk of developing autism spectrum disorders. The study also says that not just gestational diabetes but preconception diabetes also increases the risk of autism in children.
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Obesity--The same study published in the journal Paediatrics says that along with gestational diabetes, obesity in mothers also plays a huge role in autism. The study reports that children whose mothers were obese and diabetic were four times more likely to develop autism.
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Premature birth--It is believed that many premature babies show a lack of interest in surroundings and have lesser social skills as compared to babies born full-term. Confirming this hypothesis, a study published in the journal Infancy, says that premature babies are more likely to develop autism since premature babies show a different attention pattern and show less interest in other people.
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Viral infections during pregnancy--A study published in the journal Science found that viral infections in pregnant mice triggered an immune response that altered brain structure and led to behavioural changes which resemble autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in human beings. The researchers noted that the risk of autism is caused by viral infections in the mother and has nothing to do with vaccines.
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Parents age and the age gap between them--Maternal age plays a huge role in a child's health but a study published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry says that the father's age and also the age gap between the two parents increases the risk of the child developing autism. The study says that autism rates were 66% higher among children born to fathers above the age of 50 than those born to fathers in their 20s. Also, mothers who were above 40 or who were teenagers were 15% and 18% more likely to give birth to autistic children respectively. Also, autism rates were higher when there was an age gap of ten years or more among the parents.
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Low iron intake in mothers--A study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology says that low iron intake in mothers above 35 increases the risk of autism in kids by five times. Researchers say that since iron is important for early brain development and immune function, anaemia or iron deficiency can lead to autism spectrum disorders in children.
