Are IVF pregnancies at advanced parental age linked to autism? 

With more families turning to fertility treatments later in life, researchers are now asking: is there a connection between IVF, parental age and autism risk? While both advanced age and assisted reproductive technologies (ART) have been studied independently, their combination raises new questions about long-term developmental outcomes. 

Current research into IVF, parental age and autism risk suggests that the increased likelihood of autism is more strongly linked to parental age than to IVF itself. However, the biological processes involved in assisted reproduction including hormone stimulation and embryo transfer may still play a role in shaping early development. 

What Do ART Outcomes Reveal? 

Here’s how scientists are evaluating autism risk in IVF pregnancies: 

Parental age remains a key factor  

Across many ART outcomes, it is clear that parental age particularly mothers over 35 and fathers over 40 remains one of the strongest predictors of autism-related risk. Factors such as de novo mutations, epigenetic changes, and pregnancy complications are common to both IVF and natural conception. 

IVF procedures and environmental influence  

The IVF process itself may contribute through embryo handling, hormonal changes, or the specifics of embryo transfer. However, most studies indicate that these influences are secondary compared to the impact of age, making IVF, parental age and autism risk a closely related but not solely causal link. 

Visit providers like Autism Detect for personal consultations to understand how reproductive methods, age, and biological factors may influence your child’s development and how to support effective sensory regulation and comfort. 

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to Advanced Parental Age.

Hannah Smith, MSc

Author

Hannah Smith is a clinical psychologist with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and over three years of experience in behaviour therapy, special education, and inclusive practices. She specialises in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and inclusive education strategies. Hannah has worked extensively with children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, Down syndrome, and intellectual disabilities, delivering evidence-based interventions to support development, mental health, and 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 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.