Loading...
A greater number of de novo mutations, as occurs in sperm of older men, is associated with higher rates of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in offspring (Nat Rev Genet 2014; 15:133). To further investigate the relationship of advanced paternal age to other psychiatric disorders and academic achievements, researchers used Swedish registries of all children born between 1973 and 2001 (N=2,615,081). Comparisons among siblings, cousins, and first-born cousins controlled for genetic and environmental factors.
In sibling analyses, paternal age 45 or higher at birth compared with paternal age 20 to 24 was associated with significantly greater risks for the following:
ASD, hazard ratio (HR), 3.45
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), HR, 13.…