Effects of familial risk factors and place of birth on the risk of autism

Ann Robinson of the Early Childhood Unit, National Children's Bureau
Wednesday, November 16, 2005

Effects of familial risk factors and place of birth on the risk of autism Nearly 1,000 Danish children under ten were studied from 1994 to 2001; of those, 818 developed autism. The highest risks of autism were found in siblings of children with autism, or Asperger's syndrome and other pervasive developmental disorders. The relative risk of autism in the child was about twice as high if the mother had been diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder. The research supported the involvement of genetic factors in the aetiology of autism. Lauritsen, M, Pedersen, C and Mortensen, P. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry 46(9): 963-971, September 2005. Abstract: www.blackwell-synergy.com