Although children with autism are more likely to be hospitalized for infectious diseases, the diseases do not cause autism, according to a major study from Denmark.
- Researchers analyzed data for 1.4 million children and found that autistic children were more likely to be admitted to hospitals not only for infectious diseases but also for other causes including non-infectious diseases.
- Therefore, the research team concluded that childhood infections are not a cause for autism.
- Many parents believe their children developed autism after a severe fever or other ailment.
"We found the same relationship between hospitalization due to many different infections and autism," said Dr. Hjordis Atladottir, lead author of the study at the University of Aarhus.
Autism is characterized by problems in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication, and restricted interests and repetitive behaviors. It appears to be increasing among American children, with one in every 110 having such a diagnosis.
This study appeared in the Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine.
Labels: autism
Posted By: Jane St. Clair