Does the risk of autism rise for children whose father was older at his/her birth?

Question

On what do you base your opinion. Experience in your family?
What you've read in the press? From research on the literature of autism and paternal age?

Answer 1

That is the conclusion of a very recent study out of Isreal. I looked into it & it sounds like a good study, but it is premature to assume it is accurate.

There will likely be many other studies on the subject to either support, clarrify or debunk this study.

My gut says theres at least some truth to it, though. My brother had 4 kids, 2 with autism. Arianna was born when he was almost 36 & Dominic was born when he was 40.

Answer 2

I have read that the risk of Schizophrenia is much higher when the father is older. I have known two mothers with autistic children in the past, and both parents were in their mid 20's. I have not read nor heard anything regarding an older father and autism. This does not, however, mean that the relationship does not occur.
Sorry, I did not have a helpful answer for you.
Good luck.

Answer 3

My grandson is autistic. My daughter is a school teacher and I am an MD. Together we have done in depth research on the subject of Autism.

I have never seen any studies showing that the age of the father has any effect on the chances of having an autistic child.

It is fairly well known that the dna of each parent can contribute. In other words the combination of two parents can increase or decrease the chances. There is a hereditary component that influences the chances of having an autistic chile.

Answer 4

I've heard so lately, in the press...I don't know waht kind of research there is on this.