Examination of Prenatal, Perinatal, Postnatal and Parental Psychosocial Characteristics Associated With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Cross-Sectional Case-Control Study.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify biological and psychosocial factors associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) by comparing the prenatal, perinatal and postnatal characteristics of children with ASD and nonautistic controls. Furthermore, the relationships between parental stress, perceived parenting effectiveness and children's behavioural and emotional adjustment were examined to emphasize the importance of supportive interventions for families of children with autism.

METHODS

The sample consisted of 43 children aged 2-6 years diagnosed with ASD according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) and 35 nonautistic controls matched for age and sex. Prenatal, perinatal and postnatal variables were obtained using a structured sociodemographic form. Parental stress was measured with the Parenting Stress Index, while parenting effectiveness and child adjustment were assessed with the Child Adjustment and Parental Effectiveness Scale. Group comparisons were performed using t-tests and chi-square tests, and multivariate logistic regression identified independent predictors of ASD.

RESULTS

Older parental age, lack of folic acid use, shorter duration of breastfeeding, delayed speech and walking, as well as higher parental stress were more common in the ASD group. Regression analysis showed that walking delay (OR = 4.47, 95% CI [1.46-13.73], p = 0.009) and higher parental stress (OR = 1.04, 95% CI [1.01-1.07], p = 0.003) independently predicted ASD after controlling for other potential confounders.

CONCLUSION

Each month of delay in walking may increase the likelihood of an autism diagnosis, while higher parental stress reflects postdiagnostic care needs. Findings highlight the importance of early monitoring and psychosocial support.