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A recent study published in Pediatrics has shed light on the likelihood of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) recurrence among siblings. The study found that 20.2% of children with an older sibling diagnosed with ASD are also likely to develop the disorder. This likelihood increases significantly to 36.9% when a child has more than one older sibling with ASD.
Key Findings of the Study
Researchers from the global Baby Siblings Research Consortium analyzed data from 1,605 infants who had older siblings with ASD. Their findings reveal that the rate of autism recurrence is seven times higher in families with an autistic child compared to the general population. The study underscores the importance of early developmental monitoring for infants with autistic siblings, particularly boys.
The recurrence likelihood also varied based on sex and race. The study found that younger siblings of females with ASD had a higher risk (34.7%) of developing the disorder compared to those with older male siblings (22.5%). Additionally, male younger siblings were more prone to ASD than female younger siblings (25.3% vs. 13.1%).
Race also played a role in recurrence rates, with White families reporting a 17.8% recurrence rate, whereas families of other racial backgrounds had a collective recurrence rate of 25%.
Influence of Maternal Education
Another significant factor influencing ASD recurrence was maternal education. The recurrence rate was found to be highest (32.6%) among children whose mothers had a high school education or less. It gradually decreased to 25.5% for mothers with some college education, 19.7% for those with a college degree, and 16.9% for mothers with a graduate degree.
Strength of the Study
The study’s credibility is reinforced by the use of expert diagnoses, which helped minimize biases and strengthen the reliability of findings. Researchers highlighted that while the overall prevalence of ASD has increased from 0.9% in 2011 to 2.8% today, the recurrence findings have remained relatively consistent, with an increase from 18.7% in 2011 to 20.2% now.
Implications for Families
Given these findings, experts emphasize the need for vigilant developmental monitoring in families with a history of ASD. Early intervention and increased awareness among parents and healthcare providers can play a crucial role in timely diagnosis and support.
Disclaimer:
This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Individuals concerned about autism spectrum disorder should consult healthcare professionals for personalized guidance and support.
