Prenatal, Perinatal and Postnatal risk cactors associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Quantitative Study

Abstract

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition with an early onset, characterized by deficits in communication and social interaction, as well as restricted, repetitive, and stereotyped patterns of behavior. Its etiology is multifactorial, involving genetic and environmental factors. The objective of this study was to identify prenatal, perinatal, and postnatal risk factors associated with ASD. This is a retrospective cross-sectional study conducted at the ASD Reference Unit – CAISM Vila Mariana. Data from 384 family members of individuals with ASD treated between 2013 and 2021 were analyzed. Information was obtained through anamnesis conducted by pediatric neurologists and child psychiatrists, recorded in medical records. Statistical analysis included chi-square tests and descriptive statistics, with a significance level of p<0.05. In the analyzed sample, the ASD male-to-female ratio of 4.5:1 aligns with WHO studies. This study found an average maternal age of 29.32 years and an average paternal age of 32.52 years, which does not suggest advanced parental age as a risk factor. Diabetes was observed in 7% of mothers. Although the type of diabetes was not specified, both autoimmune aspects and obesity-related diabetes have been cited in the literature as risk factors for ASD. Some research highlights low birth weight as a risk factor; in this sample, the average birth weight was 3.12 kg, which does not indicate low birth weight. It is also relevant to note that 80.2% of pregnancies lasted 9 months, and 73% of deliveries were cesarean sections.