Common ENT Problems In Preschoolers May Indicate Higher Risk Of Autism: Study

Several environmental, biological and genetic factors are known to contribute to autism spectrum disorder, a developmental disability caused by differences in the brain. There was no single known cause that could determine autism. However, a new study has found that common ear, nose and throat (ENT) problems and upper respiratory infections in young children may indicate the subsequent risk of autism.

Autism begins before the age of 3 and the symptoms can last throughout a person’s life, although sometimes it may improve over time

Common signs of autism

Children diagnosed with autism may lack social communication and interaction skills and have issues like:

• Avoiding eye contact
• Failing to respond to name by nine months of age
• Not sharing interests with others by 15 months
• Not responding to smile
• Difficulties sharing an imaginative play

They also may show restricted or repetitive behaviors like:

• Lining up toys or objects
• Repeating words or phrases
• Flapping hands or rocking body
• Shows obsessive interests and must follow a certain routine

They also show other signs like:

• Delayed language skills, movement skills or learning skills,
• Hyperactive, impulsive or inattentive behavior
• Epilepsy or seizure disorder
• Unusual eating and sleeping habits
• Gastrointestinal issues such as constipation
• Anxiety, stress or excessive worry
• Lack of fear

Earlier research has shown that ENT conditions, such as ear infections, “glue ear,” and sleep-disordered breathing may have a role in the development of autism. However, since most of the evidence was based on health records, there were chances that the findings were biased.

The new study analyzed data from more than 10,000 children, who were participants in a long-term study called the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children.

The researchers asked the mothers of the participants to fill in three questionnaires when their children were aged 18, 30 and 42 months. The questionnaires recorded the frequency of nine different symptoms relating to the ear,…