Recent research, published in Pediatrics, has shown that children spaced less than one year from their older siblings are at an increased risk of autism.
First and second born siblings born in California between 1992 and 2002 were studied. If the oldest child had a diagnosis of autism, the sibling pair was excluded from the study.
The researcher, Cheslack-Postava, and her team discuss how nutrition may play a role. Folate levels decrease in women after childbirth. They also wonder if it may be associated with maternal iron levels.
Another thought is that parents are more aware of development, as they have an older child to compare the younger sibling too. These parents have an idea about when certain milestones and social development should occur.
Interestingly, the percent of closely spaced sibling has increased from 11% to 18%. This increase was measured between 1995 and 2002. I would guess that this statistic has continued to rise in the last eight years. I have many parents who have delayed childbirth for work, education and/or opportunity.
Once they do start a family, they still want the two, three or four children they had always imagined, even though there biological clock is winding down. Often they ask about weaning from nursing early so they can get started on number two.
Gwen Dewar addressed this fertility question in her post about Teaching teens to reproduce before 35.
There is so much new research looking into the causes of autism; freeway proximity, mitochondrial disease, and untreated jaundice. Allie, who responded to the freeway article, wrote “Seems like EVERYTHING increases the risk of autism these days…” What do you think??
The advice provided in this blog is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical diagnosis, advice or treatment for specific medical conditions
Photo:Flickr/Nicole O’Neil Photography