Autism Recurrence: New Study Reveals High Risk Among Siblings

Siblings of children with autism face a 20% higher chance of being diagnosed with the condition, according to a new study.

The research highlights that the sex of the first autistic child and that of the later-born child significantly affect these chances. If the first autistic child is a girl, the likelihood of another child being autistic increases by 50% compared to when the first child is a boy, stated Sally Ozonoff, a professor at the University of California Davis.

Ozonoff emphasized genetic differences that may account for the increased recurrence in families with an autistic daughter. Conducted with 1,600 infants in the US, Canada, and the UK, the study also notes that if the sibling of an autistic child is a boy, he is nearly twice as likely to be on the spectrum compared to a girl.

The findings, though not significantly higher than previously reported rates, should help families plan and support future children, while further research is advised to understand underlying social health factors, Ozonoff added.

(With inputs from agencies.)