Autism and its causes continues to be a mystery to researchers, therapists and parents. What we do know about autism is that it occurs roughly about 10 in every 10,000 children and more often in males than females by 4 to 1. Autism also occurs most often in the first child or the fourth child in the family. Does it have its roots in something that may happen during pregnancy? Could childbirth or complications that occur during labor cause autism or autistim spectrum disorders? Are there warning signs even during pregnancy that may alert parents to the possibility of autism in their child?
Autism and Labor Inductions
Some of the previous research on autism linked this disorder to labor inductions. A link was discovered between mothers who had their labor induced and a higher frequency of autism on their babies. There was also a greater occurrence of autism when mothers had a precipitous, or very fast labor. However researchers believe that this association may have its roots in the underlying genetic issues that are already there with the baby prior to labor.
Autism and Parents' Age
Other research has shown that the parents' age is another factor in increasing the likelihood of autism. It is important to remember, however that this is a link and not a cause. Perhaps this is similar to Down's syndrome in that the mother's age increases the child's risk of Down's syndrome. Just as increased maternal age will not always lead to a child with Down syndrome, older mothers will obviously not always have a child with autism.
Not only does the mother's age increase the child's risk of autism, but research also points that older fathers are as much more likely to have a child born with autism spectrum disorders. Researchers have discovered that fathers older than 40 are more than 6 times more likely to have a child with autism than father younger than 30.
Autism and Breech Position
Recent findings indicate that having a baby in a breech position during pregnancy is also associated with a higher incidence of autism. However, one could argue which came first, "the chicken or the egg". Is the baby in a breech position because there are already inherent problems present such as autism? Or is the autism spectrum disorder causing the baby to seek this breech position?
We have many possible indicators that autism could have its roots during the prenatal period. Hopefully in time, we can not only identify underlying causes of autism spectrum disorders, but more options for successful treatment.
Brenda Lane - Brenda Lane is a published author, Lamaze certified childbirth educator, DONA certified birth doula and approved birth doula trainer.
Join the Conversation