Researchers found that preterm birth may increase the risk of autism. Even though only 6 percent of preterm babies are experiencing autism, there is a higher chance of developing autism among them.
The Swedish study suggests that preterm babies may have a four times higher chance of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) than babies born full-term. Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York and Lund University in Sweden conducted the study. The researcher’s team investigate the cases of 4 million people who were born between 1973 and 2013.
The study authors wrote, “Our findings provide further evidence that gestational age at birth should be routinely included in history taking and medical records for patients of all ages to help identify in clinical practice those born preterm or early term.”
The researchers also said, “Such information can provide additional valuable context for understanding patients’ health and may facilitate earlier evaluation for ASD and other neuro-developmental conditions in those born prematurely.”