A recent large-scale study has found that siblings of autistic children are seven times more likely to be diagnosed with autism themselves, a rate 20% higher than infants without autistic siblings. The US-led research, published by American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), followed 1,605 infants with older autistic siblings across the US, Canada, and the UK, tracking their development from infancy to the age of three.

The study revealed that the likelihood of autism increases if a child has more than one autistic sibling, with a 37% chance of being diagnosed compared to 21% for those with just one autistic sibling. Boys were found to be almost twice as likely as girls to develop autism. Researchers also noted a higher recurrence rate in non-white families.

The findings mirrored previous studies and emphasised the need for close monitoring of siblings of autistic children, particularly in families with less access to care. Early intervention and diagnosis remain crucial, especially in families facing socio-economic challenges.

The study also highlighted educational disparities, with the recurrence rate decreasing as the mother’s education level increased. Researchers stressed the importance of further research into social determinants of health that may contribute to these trends but acknowledged that more work is needed to answer these complex questions.