Father's age a key factor in Autism

[Soup]

If I find a link to the original study, I'll post it in this thread. CNN was discussing this study today.

Study finds risk of autism linked to older fathers | The Chronicle Herald

 

[Nolan1971]

While I believe it was passed down from my grandfather (father's side) to my father and then my sister and I that theory
would not work in my case as my parents had me around 19-20yrs old.

 

[Soup]

In my case, my father was 40 but there are complicating factors: my older brother was an extremely premature birth. Even by today's standards babies that small typically die or are severely impaired. Back in the 50s, he had a 95% chance of dying! With me, my mother almost miscarried but I guess I hung on.

 

[Nolan1971]

I did have one problem though my body was out pacing my blood supply in infancy but eventually balanced out.:spin:

 

[Deno]

My dad was in his 20's when I was born, so it definitely is not limited to older fathers. That's an interesting study, It does make sense, the older the person, the more cells would have replicated, and the more mutations there would be in the cells right? Clever.

 

[smith2267]

my dad was about 20.

 

[Geordie]

Autism is a complex issue. Is it due to parents' age, parents' jobs, the living environment in general, or simply, some random thing that gets more coverage and awareness due to the power of the media, and doctors' increasing consciousness?

Btw my father is 37 and my Mom 38, when they gave birth to me. I was one of the first few babies given birth under the relaxation of the 'Two is Enough' birth control policy in Singapore, as my parents really sought out for a Son.

 

[Dara]

My mum was 39 and my dad 45, when I was born.
In my case it could make sense.

 

[Laura]

My dad was 21 and my mum was 23 when I was born, so I don't think that was a factor, but there is definitely a genetic component, as my mum, grandad and possibly 2 of my younger brothers all have either Asperger's or HFA.