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Asperger Syndrome: Familial and Pre- and Perinatal Factors

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Abstract

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

Methods: Hundred boys with AS had their records reviewed. “Pathogenetic subgroups” were defined according to presence of medical syndromes/chromosomal abnormalities, indices of familiarity, 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% Comment: A bout 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% cases.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Göteborg, USA

    Christopher Gillberg & Mats Cederlund

  2. Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Glasgow, USA

    Christopher Gillberg

Authors
  1. Christopher Gillberg
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  2. Mats Cederlund
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Gillberg, C., Cederlund, M. Asperger Syndrome: Familial and Pre- and Perinatal Factors. J Autism Dev Disord 35, 159–166 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-004-1993-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-004-1993-7

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