If you have autism / adhd etc were you premature

[CatMumSlave]

I was born 2 months early and I have several diagnosis. I'm wondering if there is a connection.

I believe there is evidence to show that children born prematurely have a higher chance of diagnosis of ASD/ADHD.

My DS17 is diagnosed ADHD & ASD and was not premature.

My DD is on the pathway and was premature.

My two step children and grandchild are diagnosed - none of them were premature.

I don't think it is connected, a genetic link is far more likely.

This gives a bit more information
https://sparkforautism.org/discover_article/autism-and-prematurity/

Yes, I recall being asked that question during the assessment process for my DD (she does have ASD and was 6 days overdue).

No, a day overdue

No. I do have a genetic condition that makes it more likely as does my son.

Lots of autism/ADHD in my family and none of us were premature.

My daughter is autistic and born at 29 weeks. There is evidence to support this alongside various other criteria. They ask about birth as part of the assessment too. It's epigenetic so environment and genes play a role.

My DC was slightly premature and had ASD diagnosis. I was asked whether she was born prior to 37 weeks during the assessment, because there is believed to be s slightly higher increase in ASD for children that are premature.

My dd12 is waiting on an assessment she was only a week early so not prem (obviously she may not have it).

Interesting.

I never heard that connection? To tell the truth I don't read up much on it for fear I'll discover something I did may have contributed to it, I could do without the guilt. My DS was born 5 weeks early and spent time in a neo natal unit. That said his brother was on due date and very big and both have a diagnosis. I wonder is it a genetic predisposition but the premature birth can affect severity?

3 weeks early . Asd . Late diagnosis at 50. Never thought of that tbh.

I have dyspraxia and ADHD and I was 2 weeks late!

I was born two days past due date. Diagnosed aged 34.

My son was extremely prem at 28 weeks, and significantly small at under 2lbs. We were told at birth he had a higher chance of autism and he has been diagnosed with it.

You're going to get a big bias in the replies I think.

Both my autistic children were overdue. One by 15 days.

Yes I think it was a pointless question really 😬😬

My mum says I was given too much oxygen which doesn't help.

2 males in the family with ADHD, both premature

My dd was born at 30 weeks and at 9 years old I am almost certain she has adhd I'm about to get the ball rolling.

Just before I had her I had 2 lots of steroid injections to help with her lungs and the doctor from his own mouth said that there is a strong link between steroids given to the mother in these circumstances and a asd or adhd and behavior issues being diagnosed in the child. I had no choice but to have it and I have always had my suspicions that she might be on the spectrum but as she got older I'm almost certain it's adhd and not asd.

Not premature no. Neither was my sibling also ND. None of my kids were either in fact overdue.

My parents say no, I was not.

I was 4lb full term then... IUGR?

I think my dad is clearly autistic though, he thinks his father was, my brother is very disabled by his undiagnosed autism, I am probably autistic and my eldest daughter is diagnosed autistic. She was 40+0 and 8lb. EXTREMELY high needs baby.

Genes.

Four Grandsons and two daughters ASD ( and me).
Non born premature.
In fact my two were a week late.

No I was pretty late but I am pretty sure mine is genetic looking at some of my other family members. My kids are too and were late as well.

I believe that the overwhelming evidence is that ASD, ADHD etc. is hereditary.

I always feel slightly uncomfortable with threads like this because the implication is that someone (usually the Mother) could have in some way avoided their child's neurodiversity.

I don't think so but my mum did fall down the stairs when she was pregnant with me 😂
Seriously though, it's genetic I'm pretty sure (not an expert)