Risk for Developing Autism: A Population-Based Longitudinal Study of Obstetric and Neonatal Factors (Pilot Project Grant)

Autism is part of a spectrum of disorders that are characterized by severe impairment in social interaction and communication and by the presence of inflexible behavior. Numerous reports suggest a trend of increasing rates of autism in Canada and in other countries, although it is not clear whether this increase reflects increased awareness of autism and changes in the way autism is diagnosed or whether the increase reflects true population increases in the disorder. Little is known about the causes of this disorder. Several recent studies have suggested that problems in pregnancy or in the newborn period may play a role in the development of autism. The purpose of this study is to use a population-based approach to identify pregnancy and newborn factors that are associated with the subsequent development of autism. Understanding the role of early life factors that are related to the development of autism is a first step towards early diagnosis and intervention.