Risk factors for Autistic Spectrum Disorders at Assiut City

Autism is a neurological disorder characterized by qualitative impairments in social interaction, qualitative impairments in communication, and restricted repetitive, stereotyped patterns of behavior, interests, and activities. Autistic Spectrum Disorders are relatively common without known etiology can be found in 80-90% of cases. The aim of this study is to recognize the risk factors for Autistic Spectrum Disorders at Assiut City. The study was descriptive research design; it was conducted in all autism centers at Assiut city which includes 7 centers and included 47 parents who agree to participate in this study selected by convenient sample. The study included a structured interview sheet; this sheet divided into two parts Socio demographic characteristics, and parent’s knowledge about risk factors of Autism. The main findings of the study are: male represent a higher prevalence (72.3%) rate of autism than females (27.7%), and autistic children were more prevalent among families living in urban areas (80.9%) than rural (19.1%). The present study clears that (63.8%) of the fathers and 61.7% of the mothers had university level, the majority (85.1%) of autistic parents’ children hadn’t consanguinity degree while only (14.9%) from them had consanguinity from first degree (cousin), the vast majorities (97.9%) of studied children haven’t family history of autism; the present study found that all mothers of studied children hadn't any history of rubella, diabetes, thyroid and infectious diseases while only (4.3%) were exposed to eclampsia. The study recommended that, increase of public awareness about the risk factors of autism and its prevention by community leaders, mass media, and others especially at rural area. The curriculum of medicine and nursing faculties should include the Autistic Spectrum Disorder (risk factors, diagnosis and different treatment methods). Further studies should be conducted and gained a lot of attention for Autistic children and their parents. Key wards: Autism - Autism Spectrum Disorders – Risk factor