Parent-reported use of assisted reproduction technology, infertility, and incidence of autism spectrum disorders

In this study, we explored the relationship between the rise in the incidence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), the rise in the use of assisted reproductive technology (ART), and the role of infertility. We compared the incidence of ASD in children conceived with and without the use of ART. We also considered the incidence of ASD in children whose parents reported issues of infertility. Ninety families completed a confidential questionnaire and reported use of ART, ASD diagnoses of their children, infertility, parent age at time of conception, socioeconomic status, and other variables. We obtained information for a total of 163 children. Findings indicate that there is not a significant difference in the incidence of ASD diagnoses among participants who used ART compared to those that did not. Additionally, infertility was not found to be associated with increased rates of ASD diagnoses. Limitations include small sample sizes and reliance on parent report. Implications are discussed.