Autism Spectrum Disorders and Communication Disorders: Influences of Advanced Parental Age and Use of Assisted Reproductive Technology

Research suggests that two prenatal factors, advanced parental age and use of assisted reproductive technology (ART), may independently increase the likelihood for the development of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other neurodevelopmental disorders. Our study evaluated the effect of advanced maternal and paternal ages (i.e., ages 35 and over) at the time of conception with and without the use of ART on the incidence of ASD and communication disorders (CD). We hypothesized that advanced parental age would be the strongest independent risk factor for the incidence of ASD and/or CD in offspring compared to younger parental age and use of ART. Information on 122 children was obtained through confidential survey. Parental ages at time of conception, diagnoses, use of ART, and infertility were considered. Results indicated that the risk of having a child with a CD increased significantly with either advanced maternal or paternal age. The risk of having a child diagnosed with ASD and/or CD was significantly higher for couples of advanced age, and the risk was significantly decreased for younger couples. Mothers of advanced age used ART at a significantly higher rate; however, this risk of having a child diagnosed with ASD and/or CD was not increased. Identification of risk factors (particularly combinations of risk factors) is essential for early detection of ASD and CD. The findings of our study, combined with other epidemiological data, may help to guide the development of prenatal screening tools and procedures. Implications are discussed.