What group of people are likely to be born with Asperger's Syndrome?

Answer 1

There is a strong genetic component to autism and Asperger's Syndrome (AS) as shown in twin studies, but it doesn't necessarily mean that a person will inherit it from a parent. There is a greater likelihood of having AS if someone in the family has AS or autism than in the general population. If one child in the family has autism or AS, there is an increased chance that a second child will have autism or AS. If two children in the family have autism or AS, it is much more likely that other children will also have autism or AS.

Children of men over age 40 are more likely to have children with autism spectrum disorders than men who are under age 30 when they have their children. The researchers had not determined whether this was due to sociocultural factors, more genetic mutations in sperm-producing cells as one ages, or something else.

The article "Combination of Early Detection, Timely Treatment Hold Promise for Autism" indicates that older fathers and mothers, low birth weights, shorter pregnancies, and too little oxygen during birth might "be associated with an increased risk for autism spectrum disorders".

Another study shows that mothers who take the epilepsy drug valproate while pregnant are more likely to have children with autism. These are early findings, so valproate might not be the cause, and it might instead have more to do with which epileptic women are prescribed valproate.

In the United States, the places with the lowest rates of autism are in the southern parts of the country and the highest rates are in the northern areas. It was highest in places with the greatest rainfall. So autism spectrum disorders might be associated with staying inside, which could mean less Vitamin D from sunshine or greater exposure to household chemicals. Or, it might be associated with pollutants in the rain. A correlation has been found, but the cause has not yet been determined.