New York: A recent study reveals that babies born during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic do not face a higher risk of autism, even if they were in utero during that time.
Dr. Dani Dimitriou, an associate professor of pediatrics and psychiatry at Columbia University in New York City, emphasized that this research offers reassurance to doctors and parents concerned about the developmental health of children born during the pandemic.
In a university news release, Dr. Dimitriou explained that while maternal stress during pregnancy—whether from infections or other factors—can increase the risk of autism, the study found no indications of such a rise in autism rates among the children evaluated.
He noted that during the pandemic, pediatricians, researchers, and developmental scientists were apprehensive about a potential increase in autism rates. However, our findings did not support this concern.
This news brings a sense of relief to many, as it highlights the resilience of children born during challenging times.
