Maternal Risk Factors for Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Case-Control Approach

Walden University

Status

Completed

Conditions

Autistic Disorder

Folic Acid Overdose

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Pregnancy Related

Diet; Deficiency

Folic Acid Deficiency

Folate Deficiency

Diet, Healthy

Autism

Treatments

Other: Survey

Study type

Observational

Funder types

Other

Identifiers

NCT05453708

06-16-22-0412467

Details and patient eligibility

About

New research suggests that about 1 in 8 children may be diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the United States. This could be due to several reasons which remain unknown. This study invites mothers who have given birth to children in the United States to share their experiences with diet and supplementation during pregnancy. The purpose of this study is to understand the role of a mother's diet, social standing, and supplementation with folate or folic acid may have on her child's future development of autism. Comparisons will be made between mothers of children who have a child with an official ASD diagnosis from a clinician to mothers of children without an ASD diagnosis. Findings from this study can be used to help identify risk factors for ASD risk.

Full description

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a broad range of conditions characterized by social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech, and nonverbal communication challenges. Current prevalence estimates assert that 2.3% of children aged eight years or older live with an ASD, an increase from 1.5% in 2012. Estimates suggest that 1 in 44 children will be diagnosed with ASD. A child diagnosed on the spectrum faces several challenges and may require support from a caregiver, possibly across the lifespan. ASD etiology remains elusive, but research suggests there may be a link to genetic, environmental, and dietary risk factors while in-utero.

Further evidence suggests a folate/folic acid link during the peri-conceptual period. Prior folate/folic acid studies suggest a U-shaped relationship between maternal multivitamin supplementation. High maternal plasma folate and B12 levels are associated with the risk of ASD.

This study aims to apply a case-control approach to understand the role of folate/folic over- or under-supplementation, maternal sociodemographics, and diet during pregnancy on ASD risk.

Enrollment

239 patients

Sex

Female

Ages

18+ years old

Volunteers

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

Mothers 18 years or older with a child aged 3-12 years who have an official ASD diagnosis from a clinician
Mothers 18 years or older of children aged 3-12 years who do not have an ASD diagnosis so comparisons can be made between groups

Exclusion criteria