Background: We investigated the shared and non-shared perinatal risk factors for autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in a clinical sample. Additionally, we compared these groups regarding pre/postpartum maternal stress and the duration of breastfeeding.
Methods: Children aged 3-18 years old with ASD (n = 100) were compared with age- and gender-matched children with ADHD (n = 100) and with age- and gender-matched healthy controls (n = 80).
Results: Prematurity of the neonate and maternal stress/depressive mood in pregnancy were common risk factors shared by ASD and ADHD. Postpartum maternal depressive mood may be more specific to ASD, while shorter duration of breastfeeding may be related to ADHD.
Conclusions: ASD and ADHD may have some perinatal features in common. Identification of perinatal factors for ASD and ADHD carries clinical implications in terms of primary prevention.
Keywords: attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder; autism; breastfeeding; maternal stress; postpartum depression.
© 2015 Japan Pediatric Society.