Recurrence Risk for Autism in Younger Siblings: 7% or 19%?

In contrast with a previous study, the risk is estimated at 7% in this population-based Danish study.

The risk for recurrent autism in a second child has been reported as 6% to 10% in a family with a nonsyndromal child with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD). However, a recent prospective study of 664 infants with an older biological sibling with ASD reported a startling recurrence risk of 19% (NEJM JW Pediatr Adolesc Med Aug 31 2011). Investigators in Denmark estimated the population-based risk for ASD recurrence among all 1.5 million live children born between 1980 and 2004 and followed through 2010. Children with autism were diagnosed by a multidisciplinary team and identified by a psychiatrist as either ASD or “childhood autism” (CA), the most severe form of ASD in Denmark's classification, accounting for 30% of cases.

During the study per…

Reviewing Author

Martin T. Stein, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory boardPearson Neuroscience Advisory Board

Speaker’s bureauAmerican Academy of Pediatrics

RoyaltiesElsevier, Inc.

Editorial boardsJournal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics