ABSTRACT
The prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is increasing unprecedentedly all over the world. However, not much is known as yet about the etiology of this disorder. The role of maternal pregnancy complications has been recognized in relation to autism, but the results are inconsistent. There is a dearth of epidemiological studies undertaken in low- and middle-income countries in this regard. The present case-control study was undertaken to identify the probable maternal risk factors for ASD. Data was pooled through face-to-face interviews with 100 mothers of children with ASD (case group) and 100 mothers of typically developed children (control group) from within and around the area of Kolkata in the eastern part of India. The factors were analyzed with unadjusted and adjusted odds ratios. The results of the adjusted analyses suggested that maternal threatened abortion before pregnancy, an abusive family and/or work environment, increased maternal age, delayed birth cry, general and/or medical diseases in family members, depression among family members, and emotional/behavioral disorders in the family were found to be significantly positively associated with neonatal ASD risk factors. The findings from this study hold clinical implications for all stakeholders, from families and teachers to health practitioners, with the potential to minimize the at-risk factors of ASD. The findings also have significant implications for women who have newly conceived to avoid certain at-risk factors. The study sheds light on the awareness and orientation regarding the genetic-environment intersectional factors.
