Increasing paternal age has been associated with autism spectrum disorders according to a new study. The study showed an increase of six times the rate of autism in dads who were 40+ compared to fathers who were in their 20s.
This is in addition to the other draw backs to waiting to have children in your 40s, including infertility and miscarriage. Maternal age did not appear to be associated with an increased risk of autism.
Resources:
Reichenberg A et al. "Advancing Paternal Age and Autism." Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2006;63:1026-1032.
