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Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex condition with many possible causes. While genetics plays a major role, researchers are also studying how complications during birth may affect a child’s brain development and increase the risk of autism.
One large 2025 study found that babies with low Apgar scores at five minutes had a higher risk of developing autism, especially more severe forms.
Apgar scores measure a baby’s overall health right after birth. Low scores may indicate trouble breathing or low oxygen levels, signs that something went wrong during delivery.
Birth injuries may not cause autism on their own, but they could contribute when a baby experiences severe stress during delivery.
Some families are told nothing went wrong during delivery, only to learn later that warning signs were missed or care was delayed. These complications may lead to lasting brain injuries that contribute to developmental conditions like ASD.
If you believe your child’s autism may be linked to a preventable birth injury, legal action could mean getting answers and financial support.
See if you qualify with a free case review.
What the Research Says About Birth Injury and Autism
Researchers have studied how events during or shortly after birth may affect a child’s brain development. While no single factor causes autism, some evidence suggests that birth complications could increase the risk, particularly in babies showing signs of distress.
The 2025 study analyzed data from over 5.5 million births across four countries. The researchers found that children with low Apgar scores (below 7 out of a possible 10) were more likely to be diagnosed with autism later in life.
Here are 3 key findings from the study:
- Apgar scores of 1-3 were linked to an 88% higher risk of severe forms of autism.
- Scores of 4-6 were also associated with an increased risk, though not as high.
- The results remained significant even after controlling for other factors like birth weight.
These signs of fetal distress may reflect underlying complications like oxygen deprivation, infections in the mother or baby, or delays in delivery.
While these issues don’t directly cause autism, they may play a role when combined with genetic or environmental factors.
How Oxygen Loss and Brain Injury May Affect Development
When a baby doesn’t get enough oxygen before, during, or shortly after birth, the brain can be affected in ways that may interfere with development.
This lack of oxygen is sometimes called birth asphyxia and can lead to serious conditions, especially if not recognized and treated quickly.
Common conditions related to brain injury from oxygen loss include:
- Cerebral palsy (CP): A group of disorders that affect muscle tone and movement. CP is often caused by brain damage from oxygen deprivation during or after delivery.
- Developmental delays: Slower-than-expected progress in areas like speech, motor skills, or social interaction. Delays may be the first sign of deeper neurological issues.
- Epilepsy: A seizure disorder that may develop after brain injury from birth complications involving oxygen loss.
- Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE): A type of brain damage caused by reduced oxygen and blood flow during birth. HIE is one of the most serious outcomes of birth asphyxia.
- Intracranial hemorrhage: Bleeding inside the skull, which may result from prolonged labor, trauma, or misuse of delivery tools.
- Neonatal infection: Infections passed from mother to baby before or during delivery. These can lead to inflammation in the brain and may contribute to neurological problems.
Some birth injuries linked to oxygen loss or brain trauma have been studied for their possible role in long-term developmental concerns, including autism.
Other Autism Risk Factors Being Studied
Not all children diagnosed with autism have a known birth injury. That’s why researchers continue to study other early-life factors that may influence how the brain develops.
Genetics play a major role, but environmental exposures are also being closely examined. Air pollution, pesticides, and heavy metals may affect brain development during pregnancy or early infancy.
In addition, some studies have raised concerns about toxic metals in baby food and how they may impact young children’s neurological development.
As of April 2025, at least 135 toxic baby food lawsuits have been filed against major baby food manufacturers, alleging that their products contained harmful levels of heavy metals linked to autism and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Get Legal Help for Birth Injuries
If your child has been diagnosed with autism after a challenging delivery, you may be wondering whether more could have been done to prevent their condition.
Oxygen loss, delayed delivery, and failure to act on signs of distress can all contribute to serious birth injuries. Sometimes, complications may lead to long-term developmental issues, including those associated with autism spectrum disorder.
If you believe a medical mistake may have played a role in your child’s condition, don’t wait to take action. You may be able to pursue compensation to help cover the costs of long-term care, therapy, and support services.
The Birth Injury Justice Center works with experienced birth injury lawyers nationwide who understand what families are going through.
We have a team of registered nurses on staff who can review your situation and help you understand your legal options.
Call us right now at (800) 914-1562 or get a free case review to get started.
