Abstract

RISK FACTORS OF AUTISM IN PRESCHOOL AGED CHILDREN

*Dr. Qahtan Hameed Ibrahim and Dr. Khudhair Abbas Salih

ABSTRACT

Background: Autism is a developmental disability that typically results in impairments in social engagement behaviors, particularly social interaction and joint attention skills. Aim of the study: To put light on risk factors of autism among preschool children. Patients & Methods: A cross sectional study carried out Pediatrics Teaching Hospital for period from 1st of March to 30th of August, 2015 on a convenient sample of 70 children with Autism and sample of 70 control children free of Autism and of compatible age and gender where selected from. Pediatrics Teaching Hospital. The data was collected by the researcher through direct interview and filling a prepared questionnaire. Results: Mean age of Autistic children was 4.5±1 years, males were more than females. There was a significant association between Autistic children and respiratory distress syndrome after labour (p=0.02). There was a significant association between urban residents and Autism (p=0.03). A significant association was observed between communication towers and Autism (p=0.001). There was a significant association between Autism in close relatives and Autism in studied children (p=0.007). There was a significant association between Autism and delay in speech (p<0.001). There was a significant association between long duration of TV watching time and Autism (p<0.001). Conclusions: Urban residence, mobile communication towers and long TV watching duration are more likely to be risk factors for Autism among children.

Keywords: Autism, Respiratory distress syndrome, Communication towers.