Space Children 2-5 Years Apart to Decrease Autism Risk

Kaiser Permanente recently conducted a study regarding Autism risk and time between pregnancies (IPIs). Here are some key findings from the report:

·         1 in 68 children have Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

·         Autism was diagnosed in 0.81% of second children following interpregnancy intervals (IPIs) of 3-4 years.

·         For IPIs of six to eight months, autism prevalence was 1.74%.

·         The rate of autism was 1.84% for interpregnancy intervals of six years or more.

·         These findings support the WHO's recommendation of spacing pregnancies a minimum of two years apart.

Source: Kaiser Permanente, September 14, 2015