An Exploration of Possible Pre- and Postnatal Correlates of Autism: A Pilot Survey

Abstract

Biological mothers of children, diagnosed with autism or pervasive developmental disorder, and biological mothers of children without developmental delays and matched on age and sex, were surveyed about a number of possible pre- and postnatal correlates of autism or pervasive developmental disorder. A regression analysis for boys showed the mother not vomiting in the first trimester, not having smell aversions, not craving sweets, the mother reporting fewer food aversions during the pregnancy, and having an infection while pregnant significantly predicted a later diagnosis of autism or pervasive developmental disorder. Not vomiting in the first trimester was the only significant predictor of a diagnosis of autism or a pervasive developmental disorder in girls.