Grant: Operating Grant - Secondary Analysis of Databases

Autism spectrum disorder ("autism") describes lifelong neurodevelopmental conditions that cause varying and often significant degrees of impairment in social interaction and communication. A large proportion of individuals on the autism spectrum also have intellectual disability. It is currently estimated that autism affects 1 in 110 children. Its impact extends beyond the individual and family: as the Government of Canada notes, "ASD [Autism] is not just a health issue, but also has overarching implications for Canadian society as a whole." The causes of autism are unknown. Genetic factors are believed to play a large role, and environmental factors are also thought to contribute. A recent study from California found that shorter intervals between the birth of one child and conception of the next child (the interpregnancy interval) increase the risk of autism. If this finding is confirmed, it would be one of the first known risk factors for autism that can be modified. Accordingly, we propose to investigate the relationship between the interpregnancy interval and autism using existing data housed at the Manitoba Centre for Health Policy. Our sample will consist of pairs of first and second children born in Manitoba between 1988 and 2005 to the same mother. These children will be followed up for at least six years to search for a code indicating autism in health, education and social services data. We will then look back at birth records to calculate interpregnancy intervals and determine whether they differ between children who are diagnosed with autism and those who are not. Confirming that shorter interpregnancy intervals increase the risk of autism would represent a major breakthrough in maternal and child population health. Public health messaging aimed at recent mothers would have the potential to enhance reproductive outcomes and reduce childhood disability.