Asperger syndrome: familial and pre- and perinatal factors.
OBJECTIVE
Study familial and pre- and perinatal factors in Asperger Syndrome (AS).


METHODS
One hundred boys with AS had their records reviewed. "Pathogenetic subgroups" were defined according to presence of medical syndromes/chromosomal abnormalities, indices of familiality, and pre- and perinatal risk factors predisposing to brain damage.


RESULTS
No major index of pathogenetic factors was found in 13%, a syndrome/chromosomal abnormality in 8%, pre- or perinatal risk 13%, combined pre- or perinatal risk and family history in 11%, and family history only in 55%.


CONCLUSIONS
About 50% of all boys with AS have a paternal family history of autism spectrum disorder. Pre- and perinatal risks appear to be important in about 25% of cases.
Gillberg
Christopher
C
Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Göteborg, Sweden. christopher.gillberg@pediat.gu.se
Cederlund
Mats
M
D000293:Adolescent; D020817:Asperger Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000235:genetics*; D016241:Child of Impaired Parents / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D002869:Chromosome Aberrations; D039721:Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008499:Medical Records; D010500:Perinatology; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications; D014888:Wechsler Scales