Scientists say jaundice at birth may lead to autism

Danish scientists claim babies appearing jaundice at birth or soon after notice higher risks of having autism. The study can be seen in the journal called Pediatrics. After making the claim, however, the same experts explain it may be too early to link an autism diagnosis as many other factors play a role.

While analyzing birth registry information of children born between 1994 and 2004, scientists discovered what they think could be an important determining factor for autism. Of 733,826 babies born during that time, more than 35,766 were jaundice at birth. From those, 577 were diagnosed as autistic and an additional 1,721 children had various psychological disorders. The data shows that jaundice babies born at full-term notice a 56 percent chance of having autism.

Jaundice is explained as a yellowish tint of the skin and eyes and is associated with many different health problems and diseases.

Nearly 1 of every 100 children is being diagnosed with autism currently, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Researchers are currently examining additional risk factors that may cause autism during pregnancy or infancy.