Nursery World - Advancing paternal age and autism

Advancing paternal age and autism A study of 132,271 Jewish persons born in Israel was conducted during six consecutive years. Paternal and maternal age at birth were known, and 110 cases of autistic spectrum disorder (incidence: 8.3 cases per 10,000 persons), were identified in the group. There was a significant association between advancing paternal age and risk of ASD. Offspring of men 40 years or older were 5.75 times more likely to have ASD, after controlling for year of birth, socioeconomic status, and maternal age. Advancing maternal age showed no association with ASD.

There was a significant association between advancing paternal age and risk of ASD. Offspring of men 40 years or older were 5.75 times more likely to have ASD, after controlling for year of birth, socioeconomic status, and maternal age. Advancing maternal age showed no association with ASD.

Reichenberg, A et al. Archives of General Psychiatry 63(9): 1026-1032, Sept 2006. Abstract: http://archpsyc.ama-assn.org

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