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FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH THE DEVELOPMENT OF AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER- AN OBSERVATIONAL STUDY

Dr Saeeda Bano, Dr Noor -Ul -Ain, Dr Sheeba Shabbir

Abstract: Background: Autism spectrum disorders and autism are the terms used for a group of complex disorders of brain development. It has varying degrees by difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviours. The cause of it is not known yet. Objective of the study: To determine the most common factors associated with the development of autism spectrum disorder. Material and method: It is a case control study. The sample size is 320 children of age 3 to 10, divided into two groups, A & B. Group A consisted 80 children with diagnosed Austism, and group B consisted of 240 normal healthy children. Multiple variable was analyzed for association to Austism. Data was collected by a self-designed structured questionnaire filled up by parents. These variables analyzed were status of Pregnancy & delivery, anaemia of mother, intake of Iron, Folic Acid, or any other drug, or addition of the mother. Odds ratio comparison was done using SPSS version 20. A p value of less than 0.05 was taken as statistically significant. Results: Statistical analysis showed that out of ten known variables only status of pregnancy and the mile stone of the baby born had a significant association to Autism development. Conclusion: It has been concluded that most of the factors documented till date, do not show any significant value to be considered as definitive risk factor. However, the status of the pregnancy and the delayed mile stones of the baby born did show significant association to Autism. Key Words: Autism, neurodevelopment, Risk Factors, disintegrative.

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