The UCLA-University of Utah epidemiologic survey of autism: recurrence risk estimates and genetic counseling

TLDR

An epidemiologic survey of autism in Utah was previously reported by the authors. The study aims to provide updated recurrence risk estimates for families with autistic children to inform family planning. The survey found that 9.7% of families had multiple autistic children, with autism occurring 215‑fold more often among siblings, yielding an overall recurrence risk of 8.6% (7% for male and 14.5% for female probands).

Abstract

The authors recently reported, in this journal, an epidemiologic survey of autism in Utah. Twenty (9.7%) of the 207 families ascertained had more than one autistic child. Analyses of these data revealed that autism is 215 times more frequent among the siblings of autistic patients than in the general population. The overall recurrence risk estimate (the chance that each sibling born after an autistic child will develop autism) is 8.6%. If the first autistic child is a male the recurrence risk estimate is 7%, and if a female 14.5%. These new recurrence risk estimates should be made available to all individuals who have autistic children and are interested in family planning.