5 Surprising Risk Factors for Autism

No one knows for sure what causes autism, although every parent seems to have an opinion about it. I honestly don't think that anything caused my own daughter's autism. It's simply part of who she is, like brown hair and a crooked smile. But there are several risk factors for autism, some of which are very surprising, that definitely pointed out that my kid was more likely than average. Here are some surprising risk factors for autism:

1. Dad's age.

Several very interesting studies have shown that children are much more likely to have autism if their dads are older than average. No one is quite sure why, according to the New York Times, but there are two major theories. One is that dads who have autistic traits can be socially and sexually withdrawn and may not have children until later in life, when those genes are passed on. Another is that sperm from older men has a higher rate of mutation.

2. Mom's mental illness

The Guardian reports that a child is a whopping 70% more likely to have autism than average if his mother suffers from a mental illness. It's not just conditions that are related to autism, either. Moms with depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, and OCD are all more likely to have kids on the spectrum.

3. Sex.

Boys are four to five times more likely than girls to be diagnosed with autism, according to Mayo Clinic. It's another huge mystery, because there is no reason we know of that autism would be more likely to affect boys. Some possible connections could relate to the structure of male brains, the influence of testosterone, or a gene carried on the Y chromosome.

4. Mutations.

Many people with genetic differences, or mutations, never know it, and their parents might not know it, either. This is especially true when someone has few symptoms of a genetic difference. While conditions like Down Syndrome are fairly well-known, others, such as Fragile X and 22Q Deletion Syndrome, are almost unheard-of except by doctors. Many children with autism have these or other genetic mutations that are known to be risk factors for autism.

5. Other conditions.

This is another puzzle piece that scientists are working hard to figure out. People with autism are more likely to have obsessive-compulsive disorder, attention deficit disorder, Tourette syndrome, and epilepsy. Autoimmune diseases and digestive problems are also very common among autistic people. No one knows what the link may be, but it's definitely there!

Although we're a long way away from finding out exactly what makes autism happen, we're learning more all the time about who is most likely to have it. If you're wondering about your child's risk factors for autism get in touch with your pediatrician to discuss any thoughts and concerns you might have.