Autism Spectrum Disorder and prenatal factors

a control case study Autism Spectrum Disorder and Prenatal Factors

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.35699/2316-9389.2025.52882

Keywords:

Autism Spectrum Disorder, Prenatal Care, Pregnancy, Risk Factors

Abstract

Objective: to investigate the association between Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and prenatal factors. Methods: a control case study was conducted with the responsible adults of 248 children/teenagers diagnosed with ASD (case group) and 886 neurotypical participants (control group). A semi structured questionnaire was used to collect data and logistic regression model was adopted to estimate the crude and adjusted odds ratio (OR). Results:  It was identified significant ASD association with the following prenatal factors: prenatal done in private care (OR=1,59); pre-eclampsia or eclampsia (OR=1,61); bleeding in pregnancy (OR=1,54); Absence of ferrous sulphate/iron supplement in pregnancy (OR=1,52); In the adjusted model, the variables of confounding factors also presented a positive association with ASD: very low weight when born, gender of the child, age of mother when giving birth, mother’s color of skin and ASD family history.  Conclusions: This study suggests that prenatal done in private care, occurrence of pre-eclampsia or eclampsia, bleeding in pregnancy e absence of ferrous sulphate/iron supplement in pregnancy presents an association with a high chance of ASD. The results found can be useful for prenatal advice over modifiable risk factors and early diagnosis.

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Published

2025-05-27

Issue

Vol. 29 (2025)

Section

Research

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How to Cite

1.
Porto DP de O, Parrela JP, Freire RS, Pestana PRM, Mangabeira GL, Costa A de A, et al. Autism Spectrum Disorder and prenatal factors: a control case study Autism Spectrum Disorder and Prenatal Factors. REME Rev Min Enferm. [Internet]. 2025 May 27 [cited 2026 Nov. 4];29. Available from: https://periodicos.ufmg.br/index.php/reme/article/view/52882