Research suggests IVF itself doesn't significantly increase autism risk, but specific procedures like ICSI (for male infertility) and parental infertility/age might have a small association, often linked to factors like preterm birth or underlying parental health, though the absolute risk remains low, and most IVF babies are healthy. Some studies found no direct IVF link, while others point to factors like progesterone exposure or ICSI as potential contributors, emphasizing the need for more research into treatment specifics.
Overall, 103 of 6959 children (1.5%) with autistic disorder and 180 of 15 830 (1.1%) with mental retardation were conceived by IVF. The RR for autistic disorder after any procedure compared with spontaneous conception was 1.14 (95% CI, 0.94-1.39; 19.0 vs 15.6 per 100 000 person-years).
Around 90% of autism cases are attributed to genetic factors, meaning autism is highly heritable, with many different genes contributing, rather than a single cause, often interacting with environmental influences during early brain development, though specific environmental factors don't cause it but can increase risk. Twin studies show strong genetic links, with concordance rates between 60-90% in identical twins, and research points to complex interactions of many genes and prenatal/perinatal factors.
Researchers are not sure what causes autism, but they believe genetic and environmental factors play a role. Risk factors can include having older parents or a sibling with ASD, genetic or chromosomal conditions like Down syndrome or fragile X syndrome, and very low birth weight.
The "6-second rule" for autism is a communication strategy where a speaker pauses for about six seconds after asking a question or giving information, giving the autistic person extra time to process it without feeling rushed, which helps reduce anxiety and allows for a more thoughtful response, reducing frustration for both parties. Instead of repeating or rephrasing, which can be confusing, you wait, and if needed, repeat the exact same words after the pause.
Of particular relevance, several studies have reported differences between ART-conceived and naturally conceived offspring with regard to mental health outcomes, reporting a potentially higher prevalence of depression, autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit disorder, and behavioural differences (15–17).
Jennifer Aniston underwent IVF treatments throughout her late 30s and 40s, a challenging period where she tried everything to conceive, eventually continuing into her early 50s, ultimately deciding to share her private fertility struggle years later in an interview with Allure.
Of particular relevance, several studies have reported differences between ART-conceived and naturally conceived offspring with regard to mental health outcomes, reporting a potentially higher prevalence of depression, autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit disorder, and behavioural differences (15–17).
A meta-analysis of eight studies encompassing nearly twelve million individuals indicated a 7% higher prevalence of ADHD in offspring conceived via IVF/ICSI compared to those conceived naturally. The heterogeneity among studies was minimal, and no evidence of publication bias was observed.
The ADHD "30% Rule" is a guideline suggesting that executive functions (like self-regulation, planning, and emotional control) in people with ADHD develop about 30% slower than in neurotypical individuals, meaning a 10-year-old might function more like a 7-year-old in these areas, requiring adjusted expectations for maturity, task management, and behavior. It's a tool for caregivers and adults with ADHD to set realistic goals, not a strict scientific law, helping to reduce frustration by matching demands to the person's actual developmental level (executive age) rather than just their chronological age.
Parental Influence
ADHD can be inherited from either parent, as both maternal and paternal genes contribute to the genetic makeup of the child. Research has not definitively shown that ADHD is more likely to be inherited from one parent over the other.
Large cohort studies have suggested an increase in the frequency of congenital abnormalities, autism spectrum disorder, developmental delay, and intellectual disability in children conceived via IVF or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) techniques [9–13].
Did you know Billie Eilish was conceived via IVF? Her mom, Maggie Baird, has openly shared their fertility journey—highlighting the hope, science, and strength it took to bring Billie into the world. Proof that miracles can be both intentional and deeply meaningful.
IVF babies follow the same growth charts and development patterns inside the womb and after birth. Health Studies and Research Findings Major long-term studies following thousands of IVF children into adulthood have consistently found that their overall health outcomes are comparable to the general population.
Most IVF babies are born during the 38th week of gestation. This is frequently due to closer medical monitoring and careful decision-making aimed at minimizing risk. In many cases, early delivery is planned out of caution rather than medical necessity.
Actress Jennifer Aniston has publicly shared that she was diagnosed with dyslexia in her 20s, a diagnosis that explained lifelong struggles with reading, writing, and retaining information, leading her to believe she wasn't smart until discovering the learning disorder. She discovered this during an eye exam, where she realized her eyes jumped words when reading, and the diagnosis helped her understand past difficulties, transforming her self-perception.
The actress and singer made the admission in a candid interview with US magazine People. Jennifer told the magazine: "It was natural. We didn't do in vitro. Everyone assumed that, because we had twins."
Jennifer Aniston's 80/20 rule is a balanced approach to wellness, focusing on healthy, nutrient-dense foods 80% of the time while allowing for indulgences like pizza, pasta, or martinis (the 20%) without guilt, promoting consistency and sustainability over perfection. It's about moderation, enjoying life's treats, and getting back on track with healthy choices at the next meal or workout, emphasizing that no food is inherently "bad".
Chinning is a form of repetitive self-stimulatory behavior (stimming) that you may notice in children or adults with autism. It involves pressing, rubbing, or holding the chin against objects, surfaces, or even hands to gain sensory input or comfort.
Children with autism may exhibit rigidity, inflexibility and certain types of repetitive behavior such as: Insistence on following a specific routine. Having difficulty accepting changes in the schedule. A strong preoccupation with a particular interest.
Pregnancy spacing may affect odds of ASD. Mothers of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) may reduce their odds of having another child with ASD if they time a second pregnancy to occur 2.5 to 3 years after the birth of the child with ASD, according to a new study.
In general, people who have an active lifestyle are much more emotionally resilient and focused. There also seems to be some evidence that physical exercise helps people with depression and ADHD, which are commonly co-occurring conditions with autism.
Here are three key aspects to consider in reducing autism risk: prenatal care and nutrition, genetic counseling and testing, and avoiding environmental toxins.
Autism prevalence is reported to be highest among non-Hispanic white children, lower in Hispanic and African American/black children, and highly variable in Asian/Pacific Islanders. More comorbid intellectual disability and delays in expressive language have been observed among Hispanic and African American children.
Changes in the diagnostic criteria and increased screening at wellness visits seem to be the main contributors.