Is Autism linked to Birth Trauma?

Hello Aspie Mum,

I am convinced that my own Aspergers was triggered (not completely caused!) by stressful intra uterine events, although I suffered no birth trauma. My mother was losing her own mum to cancer during her pregnancy, and I stopped growing shortly after she found out - at about 4 months gestation. This is unlikely to be just coincidence, as her pregnancy had been fine until this massive stress was unleashed. I was born on time, but weighing only 5 pounds 4 ounces, which is underweight for a newborn. The consultants were very concerned when I stopped growing, and wanted to deliver me early, but I did eventually start to grow again after my mum took bedrest. Because of this, my mum's next pregnancy was closely watched, but she experienced no stress during it, and my brother was born at a healthy weight. He has no problems. Autism does not run in my family, although there are traits. I think that intra uterine events could trigger the autism genes in susceptable individuals. The exact cause is likely to be slightly different in each case, with some cases caused primarily by genes, and others with a far smaller genetic contribution. It matters, not because knowing can change anything for yourself, but because it helps you to understand the biological nature of autism, and this can help you to avoid blame and guilt.

Hello Aspie Mum,

I am convinced that my own Aspergers was triggered (not completely caused!) by stressful intra uterine events, although I suffered no birth trauma. My mother was losing her own mum to cancer during her pregnancy, and I stopped growing shortly after she found out - at about 4 months gestation. This is unlikely to be just coincidence, as her pregnancy had been fine until this massive stress was unleashed. I was born on time, but weighing only 5 pounds 4 ounces, which is underweight for a newborn. The consultants were very concerned when I stopped growing, and wanted to deliver me early, but I did eventually start to grow again after my mum took bedrest. Because of this, my mum's next pregnancy was closely watched, but she experienced no stress during it, and my brother was born at a healthy weight. He has no problems. Autism does not run in my family, although there are traits. I think that intra uterine events could trigger the autism genes in susceptable individuals. The exact cause is likely to be slightly different in each case, with some cases caused primarily by genes, and others with a far smaller genetic contribution. It matters, not because knowing can change anything for yourself, but because it helps you to understand the biological nature of autism, and this can help you to avoid blame and guilt.