Birth related parameters are important contributors in autism spectrum disorders

Abstract

Autism spectrum disorders is a group of childhood onset neurodevelopmental disorders affecting millions of children across the globe. Characterised by age inappropriate lack of reciprocal social interaction, repetitive behaviours and deficits in communication skills, it has been found to have genetic, epigenetic and environmental contributions. In this work, we wanted to identify the effects of birth related parameters on the disease pathogenesis in an exposed population of West Bengal, India. We have considered age of both parents at birth, difference in parental age, familial history of mental illness, delay in developmental-milestones, birth-weight, birth-order, birth-term, mode of delivery and gestational complications as contributors. We found the parental age and their age difference to be the most important contributors towards ASD in this population. Birth order, sex of the probands, complications during gestation, birth weight, family history of mental illness and birth history also contributed to the condition, although to a lesser extent. Since such types of data are lacking in Indian population, this report adds useful information to the relevant field.

Socioeconomic and demographic risk factors of autism spectrum disorder among children and adolescents in Bangladesh: Evidence from a cross-sectional study in 2022

“…The literature revealed that birth order was significantly associated with ASD phenotype, and with the increase in birth order, mental retardation, intelligence score, and adaptive functioning decreased [32,33]. Another research conducted in West Bengal, India, found that children with high birth order have a severe phenotype of autism, while the child born in first order has less phenotype of ASD [34].…”

Association of NEF2L2 Rs35652124 Polymorphism with Nrf2 Induction and Genotoxic Stress Biomarkers in Autism

“…The term “autism spectrum disorder” (ASD) encompasses heterogeneous neurodevelopmental conditions characterized by delayed development, early-onset deficits in social communication, and restricted, repetitive sensory-motor behavior of variable significance [ 1 ]. The causes of ASD include a complex combination of genetic and environmental factors and birth-related parameters that may act in concert during the development of the neural system [ 2 , 3 ]. Although the pathophysiology of psychiatric diseases, including ASD, is far from being fully elucidated, a growing body of clinical and preclinical evidence has discovered the pivotal role of oxidative stress in their pathogenesis [ 4 , 5 , 6 ].…”