Overview
- Nearly 2,000 children were screened, showing no difference in autism risk between those born during the pandemic and their pre-pandemic peers.
- Children exposed to COVID-19 in utero were surprisingly less likely to screen positive for autism.
- The study used a neurodevelopmental screening questionnaire for children aged 16-30 months.
- Researchers will continue to monitor pandemic-born children for other potential developmental issues as they age.
- The findings provide reassurance to parents concerned about the impact of pandemic-related maternal stress or infection on autism risk.