Risk of Autism Higher in Children Born to Older Women
Autism Awareness Ribbon
The universal symbol for autism is a puzzle piece. It’s pretty symbolic if you think about it. There are a lot of pieces to the Autism puzzle - some we’re aware of and others that we aren’t. Another piece of the Autism puzzle has fallen into place after a study done by the University of California, Davis.
The study, published in the February issue of the Autism Research Journal took into account over 4.9 million children born in California in the 90’s. Researchers found that the mother’s age when giving birth had a direct affect over the child’s risk of developing Autism. This is particularly true for women over the age of 40 as they are 50% more likely to give birth to an Autistic child than women who give birth at ages 25-29.
Additionally, for every 5 years maternal age, the risk of Autism is increased by 18%. Some studies have indicated that a father’s age also had an effect on the statistics and risk. In this particular study, researches found that the father’s age had no effect on the Autism risk when the woman’s age was over 30. It isn’t until you combine a man over 40 and a woman under the age of thirty. For example, if a man over 40, and a woman under 25 conceive a child, the risk of Autism in that child is double that of a father between ages of 25-29 and a woman of the same age.
In the 90’s, the number of women who gave birth in California went up 300%. Autism cases sky rocketed by about 600%. This study shows the clear correlation of the age of women giving birth and the risk of the child developing Autism, but researchers and experts point out that these cases only account for 5% of the overall cases of Autism that exist.
Despite the seemingly small impact that this study has on the overall spectrum that is Autism, it’s very important to realize that Autism is a very complicated disorder to investigate. There are many “pieces” to the puzzle, and though this is only one small piece, it’s a collective amount of these small pieces that when put together, that make Autism more known, understood, and hopefully someday, cured.
Tags: age and autism, autism, autism awareness, birth and autism, Causes of Autism, father's age and autism, mother's age and autism
February 23rd, 2010 at 1:47 am
I was 32 when my son was born, and the way he was born has to have come effect on the child to whether or not it will have Autism. My son was born with his shoulder caught in my pelvis area and was losing oxygen to the brain. I’m sure that is why he is like he is today.
February 23rd, 2010 at 2:31 am
My son was born on my 32th birthday. It was long labour and not easy. He is autistic. We are on the Bio Medicine program now hope it will help.
February 23rd, 2010 at 3:09 am
I was 24 when I had my son, and I’m pretty sure that autism has nothing to do with the parent’s age. I had complications during the birth and he was losing oxygen in the brain too.
February 23rd, 2010 at 7:27 am
I dont think that age has to do with Autism I wos 36 when i had my doughter, and I had a lovely pregnancey and birth, my doghter wos perfectley fine. Until she started having oll the toxic overlowed of vaccine MMR and after reciving so meny vaccine from 2months onwards, right up to 18 months. If my doughter had been free vaccine she would not be the way she is today.
February 24th, 2010 at 1:51 pm
when my daughter was born i was 35 and wife was 38. she was normal baby and growth was normal except speech. I belive that after mmr vacination had turned her life.
March 2nd, 2010 at 2:45 am
My son was delivered through vacuum method because of difficulty. The doctor said it the vacuum technique was well within the safety margin despite my son having a conehead appearance for a couple of weeks. I do remember my son uttering a few sounds and some parroting of words albeit sounding not clear. After the triple MMR vacination, I never heard him uttering any intelligible words. Until today, he is not able to speak or read like a normal kid.
March 2nd, 2010 at 1:11 pm
Very interesting article. Couldn’t of written any better. Browsing this post reminds me of my old chum. He always kept speaking about this. I will forward this post to him. Am sure he will have a good read. Thanks for sharing!
March 3rd, 2010 at 1:24 am
very interesting topic of course!! i’m in a dilemma nw after reading the articles about autism!! shud i give MMR vaccine for my son which is scheduled to be given on 7th of March 2010???? Pls give ur suggestions regarding this!!!
- Selin
March 3rd, 2010 at 1:43 am
Hi Selin, The idea is to get informed as much possible and weigh the risks vs. benefits and then you must make the decision. Either way there is not right or wrong answer. I also heard you could split the MMR vaccine should you decided to do the vaccination. Good luck! I won’t do it for my kid as too much at risk.