Which age-related factors are risk factors for Autism?

Maternal age over 40 and paternal age over 50 are both recognized as risk factors for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Research indicates that advancing parental age can lead to an increased likelihood of having a child with autism, potentially due to various genetic and environmental factors that may accumulate or change over time.

Older maternal age may also influence the risk of genetic anomalies or chromosomal abnormalities, which have been associated with autism. Similarly, paternal age over 50 has been linked to a higher incidence of new mutations in the sperm, which can contribute to developmental disorders, including autism.

Both of these age-related factors highlight the complex interplay of genetics and environmental influences on neurodevelopment. Recognizing that both maternal and paternal age can serve as risk factors helps researchers and healthcare professionals to better understand the etiology of autism and to identify families who may benefit from early intervention or counseling.