Month of birth and risk of autism spectrum disorder: a retrospective cohort of male children born in Israel.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Increased incidence and prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) over the last two decades have prompted considerable efforts to investigate its aetiological factors. We examined an association between month of birth and ASD incidence.

Methods

In a retrospective cohort of male children born from January 1999 to December 2008 in a large health organisation in Israel (Maccabi Healthcare Services), ASD was followed from birth through December 2015.

Results

Of 108 548 boys, 975 cases of ASD were identified. The highest rates (10.3 and 10.2 per 1000 male live births) were recorded for children born in May and August, respectively, and the lowest rates for February (7.6 per 1000 male live births). Among lower socioeconomic status households, boys born in Augu

SUBMITTER: Shalev H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5702026 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature