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In a research analysis examining over 1,600 individuals, it was discovered that siblings of children diagnosed with autism are seven times more prone to also having this developmental disorder compared to those without affected family members.

Data and evaluation

The research, authored by the well-known expert Sally Ozonoff from the UC Davis MIND Institute, was published in a prestigious medical journal called Pediatrics. This analysis used aggregate data collected from American, Canadian, and British children. Autism experts assessed each during their pivotal developmental period of 6 to 36 months.

The results

The results were staggering as it was discovered that a significant 20.2% of participants met the criteria for an autism diagnosis by the time they reached age 3.  Children with multiple siblings on the autism spectrum were at an even higher risk, with a staggering 37% meeting the criteria for diagnosis. Additionally, the likelihood of a child being diagnosed with autism also varied based on the gender of the older sibling who was initially diagnosed.

Specifically, families with an older autistic daughter had a 50% higher chance of having another child with autism compared to families with an older autistic son. 

Other factors came into play as well. These included race and education. It was found that non-white families had higher recurrence rates, as well as mothers with less schooling.

Previous research

It’s the second part of a study that was conducted in 2011, which found that the likelihood of having a child with autism was 18.7% for families who already had an autistic child. This recent study has been done in light of the increasing prevalence of autism in the past decade and involved a larger and more diverse sample of families than the original study.

This study’s findings reinforce the importance of closely monitoring the development and communication skills of siblings in families with reduced access to care. It also highlights Autism as a complex and multifactorial condition that several factors, including race and education can influence.

Support for families in Chicago, IL

Illinois Autism Center understands the vital importance of early intervention for children with autism and continued support for their families. So, we try to provide the services and support for ASD children in best possible way.

By obtaining personalized therapy and educational programs, support groups, etc., we believe people with autism can live their fullest possible.