Study: Having an Autistic Child Raises Autism Risk in Next Child

genConnect.com

Children with older siblings diagnosed with autism are more likely to also have a disorder on the autism spectrum than children who don't have a history of autism in their family, according to new study from the University of California, Davis' Mind Institute.

Researchers found that the genetic risk that an infant with an older sibling with autism also will develop the disorder is approximately 19 percent. Doctors and scientist followed 664 infants from 12 locations across the U.S. and Canada. The infants began the study at approximately 8 months old until 3 years old, and all the children had at least one older brother or sister with autism.

Among the male babies, 26% were found to have some form of autism. The rate among the female babies was 9%. Those babies who have more than one autistic older sibling, their risk jumps to more than 32 percent.

"There is no previous study that identified a risk of recurrence that is this high," Sally Ozonoff, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the MIND Institute and the study's lead author. "This points to the important need for closely monitoring and screening siblings so that they can be offered intervention as early as possible. Early intervention ensures the best possible outcomes."

The study will appear in the September issue of the journal, Pediatrics.


Tell us: Do you have a child or loved one with autism? What has he or she taught you about life and love?


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