| Introduction: This study aimed to examine the role of prenatal stressful events in mothers of
children and adolescents with autistic disorder (AD).
Methods: This case-control study was conducted in 2014. A total number of 115 children and
adolescents with AD were selected by convenience method from the autism rehabilitation
centers in Tabriz, Iran. Moreover, 112 typically developing (TD) children and adolescents
were selected from public schools using a random clustering method. Two groups were
matched in terms of mother's and child's age and mother's educational level. The Kiddie
Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia (K-SADS) semi-structured diagnostic
interview was used to evaluate the presence of psychiatric disorders. The diagnosis of AD was
made based on the DSM-IV criteria during separate diagnostic interviews by two child and
adolescent psychiatrists. The life stressful events’ inventory was used to assess the presence of
stressful events during pregnancy.
Results: According to Fisher's exact test, the frequency of stressful life events including
failure to achieve life goals, high debt, frequent marital conflict, conflict with spouse's family,
changes in sleeping habits, and sexual difficulties in the mothers of AD children during
pregnancy was significantly higher than the mothers of TD children. Also, mothers of AD
children reported significantly higher frequency for the positive stressful life events including
the major job progress, starting or finishing education, change of education, location, and
summer vacation during pregnancy.
Conclusion: Some stressful life events in mothers during pregnancy may be considered as risk
factors for developing AD in their children. Further researches are needed to establish the
results of this study. |