Open access article: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667174325000898

Abstract

Background

Preterm children are at an increased risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), although the determinants of ASD among them remain unclear. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we summarize the population-based literature on ASD risk factors in preterm-born individuals.

Methods

We searched Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science through September 2023 for population-based studies on ASD risk factors in preterm cohorts (<37 weeks’ gestation). From 3921 articles, 19 met inclusion criteria. Registered in PROSPERO and following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, data were extracted and analyzed using fixed and random effects meta-analysis models. Primary outcomes included ASD risk factors, pooled when consistently examined in at least 2 studies.

Results

The qualitative synthesis included 16 cohort studies, 2 case-control studies, and 1 cross-sectional study, while 3 cohort studies were included in the meta-analysis. Sample sizes ranged from 410 to 515,789. Male sex was the only risk factor eligible for meta-analysis and was associated with increased risk of ASD (relative risk 3.04; 95% CI, 2.02–4.57). Low birth weight suggested a potential positive association with ASD, while neonatal jaundice showed no clear link. Pooled estimates were unavailable for these exposures due to heterogeneity in exposure definitions and effect measures. All other risk factors were examined in two or fewer studies.

Conclusions

Significant knowledge gaps remain regarding the risk of ASD in individuals born preterm. The only consistent risk factor identified is male sex, with potential links to low birth weight. To better understand the differences in ASD etiology between preterm and term-born individuals, further research is crucial.

Citation: Bo Yang, Nina Zaks, Eero Kajantie, Monica S.M. Persson, Abraham Reichenberg, Mika Gissler, Kari Risnes, Alexander Kolevzon, Ulrika Ådén, Ezra Susser, Martina Persson, Jonas F. Ludvigsson, Kristiina Tammimies, Liona C. Poon, Benjamin Yip, Nora Döring, Sven Sandin, Weiyao Yin, Risk Factors for Autism Spectrum Disorder in Individuals Born Preterm: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Population-Based Studies, Biological Psychiatry Global Open Science, Volume 5, Issue 5, 2025, 100535, ISSN 2667-1743

Open access article: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/399690668_Risk_of_hospitalization_and_death_among_autistic_young_people_in_England_during_the_Covid-19_pandemic

Abstract

Autistic people experience increased health vulnerability and risk of premature mortality; the Covid-19 pandemic posed a serious health risk globally. The present study estimated risks of (i) first hospitalization, (ii) first hospitalization with a positive Covid-19 test, (iii) all-cause death, and (iv) Covid-19 associated death from 1 January 2020–31 March 2021 among autistic people compared to matched peers in England. Methods We leveraged National Health Service records from 45,756 individuals, including 15,252 autistic individuals, via the Clinical Practice Research Datalink. Participants were matched 1:2 on birth year (± 2 years), gender, and general practitioner practice to 30,504 non-autistic people. The sample primarily comprised males and younger individuals, with a median age of 19.0 years (IQR = 12.0 years), which was expected based on the demographics of clinically diagnosed autistic people. For all outcomes, cox proportional hazards regression models were performed, accounting for matching criteria of gender, birth year, and clustering across GP practices. Additional models adjusting for matching criteria, as well as socioeconomic status, intellectual disability, obesity, alcohol misuse, and smoking were performed to assess risks of all-cause and Covid-19 related hospitalizations. However, due to perfect separation, it was not possible to conduct analyses for mortality that were adjusted for additional covariates (beyond matching factors), and Covid-19 related mortality modelling only assessed risk for male individuals. Results Autistic individuals had increased likelihood of all-cause hospitalization (HR: 1.32, 95% CI: 1.22–1.42, p

Citation: Kennedy, Brigid & Weir, Elizabeth & Fysh, Matt & Tsompanidis, Alex & Payne, Rupert & Allison, Carrie & Matthews, Fiona & Baron-Cohen, Simon. (2026). Risk of hospitalization and death among autistic young people in England during the Covid-19 pandemic. Molecular Autism.

Open access article: https://genomicpress.kglmeridian.com/meridian/genomicpress/published/rest/pdf-watermark/v1/journals/brainmed/1/1/article-p31.pdf/watermark-pdf/

Abstract

The global surge in air pollution poses an increasingly concerning environmental risk factor for neurodevelopmental disorders, particularly autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Recent epidemiological studies have revealed compelling associations between exposure to specific air pollutants, including fine particulate matter (PM), nitrogen oxides (NO, NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2) and ozone (O3), and increased ASD risk. While the rising global ASD prevalence, now affecting 1%–1.5% of the population, partially reflects expanded diagnostic criteria and enhanced screening, mounting evidence points to the critical role of gene–environment interactions in ASD etiology. Air pollutants can trigger multiple pathogenic mechanisms, including neuroinflammation, oxidative/nitrosative stress, epigenetic modifications, and glutamatergic/GABAergic neurotransmitter system disruption. The timing of exposure appears crucial, with heightened vulnerability during prenatal development and early childhood when critical neurodevelopmental processes, such as neuronal migration, synaptogenesis, and myelination occur. Research priorities should focus on how air pollutants affect brain development in genetically susceptible individuals, especially during pregnancy and early childhood. Better ways are needed to identify individuals at the highest risk and develop practical protective measures. Given the rising global pollution levels, this knowledge will help shape meaningful public health policies to protect future generations from environmental factors that may contribute to ASD.

Citation: Ojha SK, Amal H. Air pollution: an emerging risk factor for autism spectrum disorder. Brain Medicine. 2024;1(1):31–34. doi: 10.61373/bm024e.0115

Open access article: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40474-024-00308-9

Abstract

Purpose of review

The purpose of this review is to provide a comprehensive update of literature published between January 2018 and April 2024, examining suicidal thoughts and behavior (STB) prevalence, risk factors, theoretical models, and interventions in autism.

Recent findings

We identified four recent meta-analyses and two systematic reviews. Pooled prevalence estimates in autism ranged from 34.2% for suicide ideation to 24.3% for suicide attempts. Autistic traits, interpersonal factors, and depressive symptoms were identified as STB risk factors, with elevated risk observed across the lifespan.

Summary

We included 80 studies examining STB in diagnosed autistic people or autistic traits in non-clinical samples. Autistic people were found to have an up to eightfold increased risk of death by suicide compared to non-autistic people, although reported rates varied considerably between studies; co-occurring mental health conditions, social, psychological, and cognitive factors exacerbated risk. Validated STB assessment tools and interventions for autistic people were notably scarce.

Citation: Brown, C.M., Newell, V., Sahin, E. et al. Updated Systematic Review of Suicide in Autism: 2018–2024. Curr Dev Disord Rep 11, 225–256 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40474-024-00308-9

Open access article: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00787-023-02228-2#citeas

Abstract

Autistic children (Autism Spectrum Disorder, ASD) show an increased risk of bullying victimization and often face challenges in communication and peer relationships. However, it is unclear to what extent the amount and quality of ASD traits are associated with bullying victimization. This study examined the association of bullying victimization and ASD traits in an epidemiological population of 8-year-old children (n = 4408) using parent and teacher completed Autism Spectrum Screening Questionnaires (ASSQs), both separately and combined. The ASSQ items relating to loneliness and social isolation, lack of co-operating skills, clumsiness and lack of common sense were associated with victimization in the study population. The higher the ASSQ scores, the more the children were victimized: the ASSQ scores increased in parallel with victimization from 0 (0% victimized) to 45 (64% victimized). The victimization rate was 46% in ASD sample, 2% in the total population sample and 2% in the non-ASD population sample. The results enable more targeted means for recognizing potential victimization.

Citation: Junttila, M., Kielinen, M., Jussila, K. et al. The traits of Autism Spectrum Disorder and bullying victimization in an epidemiological population. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 33, 1067–1080 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00787-023-02228-2