The first study was from the Liverpool and Manchester Neurodevelopment Group in Great Britain. Researchers looked at 632 children with no family histories of autism. The 64 children whose mothers took valprodate during pregnancy had seven times the rate of autism.
Children exposed to epilepsy drugs other than valprodate were not at increased risk.
Previous studies have linked taking valprodate during pregnancy to birth defects such as spinal bifida and heart problems.
The second study, which took place at the University of California, involved 4,000 mothers and children from birth to age six. The risk for autism was four times greater among couples who had undergone treatments for fertility. In addition, these couples were 40 percent more likely to have children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, learning disabilities, or serious sight and hearing problems.
Posted By: Aspen Education Group
