PREVALENCE OF RISK FACTORS DURING PREGNANCY IN AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS

Autism spectrum disorder is one of the most common forms of pervasive developmental disorders and it is introduced as one of the most serious and unrecognized disorders in childhood. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of the risk factors during pregnancy for autism spectrum disorders.

The sample size was 310 subjects (109 girls and 201 boys) who were selected using the available sampling method. The researcher collected information using The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). Visual analysis and percentage index were used to analyze the data.

Factors such as maternal disease, drug use during pregnancy, maternal seasonal sensitivity, second child, single child, prematurity, jaundice during pregnancy, triple vaccination, MMR vaccine, history of NICU and incubator, maternal bleeding in the first trimester of pregnancy, gestational diabetes, history of the ruptured bladder during pregnancy, history of thyroid, Maternal overweight, history of varicose veins during pregnancy, history of nausea, having surgery during pregnancy, stress during pregnancy, cesarean delivery, unwanted pregnancy, iron deficiency during pregnancy, family relationship, family problems, phototherapy, and neonatal overweight were identified. According to the percentage index, MMR vaccine history with 91% and diabetes during pregnancy with 27% had the highest and lowest prevalence, respectively.

Findings from this study showed that some factors during pregnancy are more common in children with the autism spectrum disorder. Therefore, effective preventive therapy and treatment can be considered. It is also suggested that experts and officials in this field plan related screenings.