Autism, also known as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that affects a person’s ability to communicate, socialize, and interact with others.

The disorder is typically diagnosed in early childhood, and its symptoms can range from mild to severe. While the causes of autism are not entirely understood, researchers have identified several risk factors that increase the likelihood of a child developing the disorder. One of these risk factors is advanced parental age.

What is advanced parental age?

Advanced parental age refers to having a child when the mother is 35 years or older, or when the father is 40 years or older.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the number of older parents in the United States has been steadily increasing in recent years. In 2016, approximately one in every five women gave birth for the first time at 35 years of age or older, while the number of men over 40 having children has more than doubled over the past four decades.

Why does advanced parental age increase the risk of autism?

Several studies have found that advanced parental age is associated with an increased risk of autism in offspring. The exact reason for this association is not yet clear, but researchers have proposed several possible explanations.

One theory is that as parents age, they are more likely to accumulate genetic mutations that can increase the risk of autism. Another theory is that older parents are more likely to have environmental exposures that increase the risk of autism in their offspring.

For example, older fathers may have increased exposure to environmental toxins that can affect their sperm and increase the risk of autism in their children.

What do the studies say?

A number of studies have investigated the link between advanced parental age and the risk of autism in offspring.

One meta-analysis of 22 studies found that children born to mothers over the age of 35 were 30% more likely to develop autism than children born to mothers between the ages of 25 and 29. Another study found that every additional 10 years of paternal age was associated with a 20% increased risk of autism in children.

While not all studies have found a significant association between advanced parental age and autism risk, the weight of evidence suggests that there is indeed a link.

What can parents do?

While advanced parental age is a risk factor for autism, it is important to remember that the vast majority of children born to older parents do not develop the disorder.

Most cases of autism are thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, and advanced parental age is just one of many possible risk factors. That being said, there are several steps that older parents can take to reduce their child’s risk of developing autism. These include:.

Getting regular prenatal care and following a healthy pregnancy diet
Avoiding alcohol and tobacco during pregnancy
Having genetic testing and counseling, especially if there is a family history of autism or other developmental disorders

Conclusion

Advanced parental age is a risk factor for autism, but it is important to remember that many factors can influence a child’s risk of developing the disorder.

While researchers continue to study the causes of autism, there are steps that parents can take to reduce their child’s risk. By getting regular prenatal care, avoiding harmful substances during pregnancy, and considering genetic testing and counseling, older parents can help ensure that their child has the best chance for a happy, healthy life.