Premature Birth Doubles the Chances of Autism

According to a report published by researchers of the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, the chances of a baby to be suffering from autism increases by 2.3 times in case of premature birth. This research was published in the April edition of the journal Pediatrics.

The researchers in US have claimed that premature birth is harmful for the infants. According to a research performed on 565 children born between 1989 and 1996, the scientists have come to the conclusion that the chances of autism increases by less than 2 times for boys and more than 3 times for girls in case of premature birth.

Autism is also more prominent in children born with a weight of less than 5.5 pounds. This study also came out with startling fact that the girls born with mental retardation increased their chances of suffering by 6 times where this condition had little or no effect on boys when it was related to autism.

Autism is a brain development disorder that impairs social interaction and communication and causes restricted and repetitive behavior, all starting before a child is three years old.

Other than premature birth improper vaccination of the child are related to autism. But the thesis of vaccination is still controversial. Generally it is observed that 2 in a 1000 people are found to be suffering from autism. But in US this number rises to 1 in 150.

According to the scientists the effects of autism can still be controlled if it is detected at an early age. Therefore, the parents are advised to watch their child closely in 18 months to 3 years period where if autism signs are noted, than it must be immediately reported to paediatrician.

After this doctors have basically advised the expecting mother's to go into prenatal care. Also, they should quit smoking and stay away from other bad habits. They should adopt a healthy way of living which reduces the chances of autism in a baby.

The doctors have also said that the parents have to spend at least $6500 every year in order to take care of their child. Also, there is no cure for the disorder but early diagnosis and intervention strategies can improve the effect of the disorder.