News Brief: A new study has caught the popular media’s attention. University of Michigan and Duke University researchers identified a correlation between autism and induced or augmented labor—the artificial start or enhancement of uterine contractions. The study, however, does not prove that autism is caused by medical interventions during labor. Rather, underlying issues that result in the need for induced or augmented labor may play a role in the development of autism.

While this study provides an interesting lead for future investigations, experts in the field emphasize that the study’s findings should not change current medical practice. For extensive coverage on this issue, please click the “Sources” buttons below.

Risk Factors

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