In a recent study conducted at Tel Aviv University Sackler School of Medicine, Dr. Ditza Zachor, reported a strong link between in vitro fertilization (IVF) and mild to moderate cases of autism. Dr. Zachor is Director of the Autism Center at the Assaf Harofeh Medical Center in Israel.
Results of her study showed that 10.5 percent of the 461 children diagnosed with a disorder on the autism spectrum were conceived using IVF, a 7 percent higher rate than the general population in Israel.
According to Dr. Zachor, “It's too early to make a serious deduction based on that evidence alone.” Other factors such as low birth rate and prematurity may figure into it as well. She also noted that women in her study tended to be older – with an average age of 32.6 years, which may also be a factor.
Dr. Zachor presented her findings last month at the International Meeting for Autism Research in Philadelphia.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC, reports autism affects approximately 1 in 150 births, and autism is growing at an alarming rate, 10 – 17 percent, per year.
According to the Autism Society of Michigan, autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life. It is the result of a neurological disorder that affects the normal functioning of the brain, impacting development in the areas of social interaction and communication skills. Michiganders may call 1-800-223-6722 in Lansing for more information or visit their website.
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Comments
Interesting - I'll be excited to hear more about this one.
That is a high percentage
Oh my goodness, and there are so many people going through in virto for quite some time. Thanks for sharing.
Such a high percentage, keep us informed if they find more from further studies.
Actually if they look a little further they will probably find that the eggs were fertilized with ICSI, where they actually put the sperm inside the egg.
As you mentioned a lot of the people that do IVF tend to be older (typically mid 30s to late 40+). I definitely agree that this plays a major role in autism cases. There are plenty of studies out there that suggest age is the single most important factor in children with autism. Great article because it really bring awareness to this issue! It would be interesting to see the follow up to this study!
I personally know 7 children with autism...6 of whom were conceived via in vitro. Coincidence? No way!
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