Link between autism and older parents

[Brónach Druid]

I hope I am not repeating, I don't remember this being discussed here. I was doing some research and came across this article. I had heard a while back that they were exploring a link between older fathers and autism. This article states that they are exploring a link between older parents and autism. This seems to make sense to me as it is well known that there is greater chances for down syndrome and mental retardation with older mothers and the chances increase with each year over age 35. It also seems like autism has been on the rise in sync with many people waiting to have children.
Of course, there are exceptions to every rule...I am sure it is not the exclusive cause.....just wondering about other peoples thoughts or opinions.
http://www.reuters.com/article/healthNews/idUSCOL36955220070403

[LadyWinter]

I have to say I was less than impressed with this article....

"However, the researchers emphasize that risk of having a child with an ASD is very small, even for the oldest parents."

If the risk is so small...why are now 1 in every 150 children diagnosed with some form of Autism?

"Our findings support a link between advanced (parental) age and autism, although the effect on risk is small."

I dont find this article to be very conclusive.....I think Autism is on the rise because people are just now diagnosing it instead of lumping kids in with mental retardation which is really a WHOLE 'nother ball of wax.

I find Autism VERY frustrating....there are so many damn theories and no answers.

Interesting read though thanks! I will add it to the box of theories I have been collecting.....However I am an exception...I was 22 and my hubby 30 when our son was conceived so age was definately not a factor for us.

Winter
still searching

[Lunacie]

Autism (high functioning) is just one of the labels we're exploring with my granddaughter's therapist. Her mom was only 28 when she was born, but her dad was 40. Coupled with the family incidence of neurological disorders (ADHD and Parkinson's) the risk is multiplied. *grimace* None of these problems were diagnosed before she was born though.