How Does Maternal Age During Pregnancy Affect the Risk of Autism in Offspring?

PostedNovember 27, 2025

UpdatedDecember 18, 2025

ByMy Patient Advice

Author: Beatrice Holloway, MSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Emerging research has clarified a compelling link between the risk of maternal age autism and the likelihood of autism in children. As the risk of maternal age autism increases particularly beyond the early thirties, scientific studies have documented a steady rise in diagnostic rates among offspring.

A comprehensive meta-analysis found that mothers aged over 35 had significantly higher odds of having a child with autism, even when controlling for other factors like paternal age and socioeconomic background. One explanation involves advanced maternal age, which may increase the chance of age-related genetic mutations during fetal development. These mutations could potentially affect brain development and contribute to autistic traits.

Another important consideration is how maternal age influences overall pregnancy outcomes. Older maternal age can sometimes be associated with complications such as gestational diabetes or preterm birth, both of which are also linked to elevated autism risk. While these associations don’t mean causation, they do suggest a need for more nuanced prenatal care and monitoring.

Why This Insight Matters

Understanding these trends helps expectant parents and clinicians plan support strategies more proactively:

Early Screening

Children born to older mothers may benefit from early developmental assessments.

Balanced Perspective

While the risk is higher, most children born to older mothers do not develop autism. The key is informed planning without fear.

As science continues to explore these links, holistic care becomes vital.

Visit providers like Autism Detect for personal consultations tailored to your family’s health and developmental journey.

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to Pre‑natal and Birth‑related Factors.

Beatrice Holloway, MSc

Author

Beatrice Holloway is a clinical psychologist with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and a BS in Applied Psychology. She specialises in CBT, psychological testing, and applied behaviour therapy, working with children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), developmental delays, and learning disabilities, as well as adults with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety, OCD, and substance use disorders. Holloway creates personalised treatment plans to support emotional regulation, social skills, and academic progress in children, and delivers evidence-based therapy to improve mental health and well-being across all ages.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy.

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Reviewer

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy.