Autism And Older Parents, A Possible Correlation

April 3, 2007

Autism And Older Parents, A Possible Correlation (CBS4) Researchers unlocking the secrets of autism have discovered a risk factor in today's parents that they may be unknowingly passing on to their children.

The number of children diagnosed with autism has increased more than 170% since the 1990’s. The reason why is still a mystery, but new research suggests older parents may be a piece of the puzzle, and how a baby responds to his or her own name could be an important clue.

It didn't take long for Karen Shapiro to know her beautiful daughter Morgan wasn't like other children.

"She seemed to be a little more overactive than her peers and not as verbal," said Shapiro.

Morgan has autism--a developmental disorder striking 1 in every 150 US children.

And now a new report in the archives of pediatric and adolescent medicine suggests the trend of parents having children at older ages may increase the risk.

Compared to parents in their mid twenties, researchers found new moms over age 40 had a 30% higher rate of children with autism, and for older dads it was 50% higher.

Dr. Michael Alessandri from the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities says this is interesting but not conclusive.

"Parents should not panic if they have had their children a little bit later,” said Alessandri. “There is no consistent evidence that that is a predictor."

And there may be an early warning sign, another report suggests: One-year-olds at risk for autism are less likely to orient when parents call their name. Karen saw that in Morgan.

"She would smile, but if you were to call her name she wouldn't respond," said Shapiro.

Dr. Alessandri says the link is small but important, because when it comes to autism, any hint can lead to a head start.

"But it is certainly is a red flag and it should be something that mobilizes parents to begin early intervention and earlier identification," he said.

There is no cure for autism, and there are few effective treatments. And if you want to help find a cure--you can. On Saturday April 21st, there will be a walk for autism research in South Florida.

Source: CBS 4