Abstract

Aim of Study: To identify risk factors associated with autism among autistic children in Makkah Al-Mukarramah City.

Subjects and Methods: Following a case-control study design, 100 autistic children 3-12 years old were selected from four rehabilitation centres in addition to 100 age-matched non-autistic children (control group) who were recruited from nearby kindergarten centers and primary schools. Based on relevant review of literature, an Arabic language questionnaire was designed by the researcher.

Results: There were significantly more male autistic children than non-autistic children (71% and 52%, respectively, p=0.006), with a female:male ratio of about 1:3. However, autistic and non-autistic children did not differ significantly according to their age groups, nationality or birth order. Most autistic children (74%) were diagnosed at the age of 4-8 years. The mean age at diagnosis was 6.1±2.4 years. The mean age of mothers of autistic children at their birth was significantly older than that of mothers of non-autistic children (35.1±5.9 years and 35.1±5.9 years, respectively, p=0.015), while mean age of fathers of autistic children at their birth was significantly older than that of fathers of non-autistic children (42.6±7.7 years and 39.7±8.8 years, respectively, p=0.016). Mothers of autistic children have been significantly more exposed tosmoke than those of non-autistic children (15% and 6%, respectively, p=0.038). Autistic and non-autistic children did not differ significantly according to their family, prenatal and postnatal characteristics.

Conclusions: Most autistic children become diagnosed at 4-8 years old. The female:male ratio among autistic children is about 1:3. Advanced parental age is a significant risk factor for autism among their children. Exposure of mothers to smoke is a risk factor for autism among their children.

Recommendations: Screening of children, especially boys, for autism during their visits to the well-baby clinics and at school entry. Avoidance of exposure of pregnant mothers and children to smoke. Provision of health education to parents about autism and the importance of avoiding pregnancy at advanced parent ages.

Key words: Autism, Case Control, Risk factors, Saudi Arabia.