HIE can cause autism at up to 44% higher incidence than neurotypical babies and children, and children with HIE who don't have motor impacts were 6x more diagnosed than those with motor impacts.
HIE is a SPECIFIC cause/etiology of autism. Others include genetic, metabolic, prematurity, structural brain anomalies, toxic shock, infection, inflammatory disease and traumatic injury, as well as environmental experiences and factors like developmental stimulation (or lack there of), adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), and social determinants of health impacts.
Just like there is a wide spectrum of impacts from HIE, autism is on a spectrum as well.
You aren't alone! The diagnostic process, developing educational supports, and building a more accessible community for your child can be overwhelming for families, and we are here to support you through it!
Knowing the cause/etiology of autism can lead to the development of targeted interventions to improve quality of life, accessibility, education and acceptance.
The true incidence rate and impact of Autism & HIE is just being studied more widely with more research to come and data to be published shortly, which helps build greater understanding!
Recent research has highlighted perinatal hypoxia (a lack of oxygen around the time of birth) as one of the potential contributors to autism and has shown that children with a history of HIE or other forms of neonatal brain injury have a higher risk of developing ASD compared to the general population.
Several studies have discussed and identified the relationship between HIE, hypoxia, and autism. Here are some reputable journal articles to read more:
Hope for HIE hosts comprehensive support for families, no matter what they may be facing from HIE including a specific subgroup dedicated to HIE and autism, online resources, peer support, and full-family support programs and services.
We've hosted a Peer Support Panel on our HIE families navigating an autism diagnosis. You can read the key takeaways or watch the session below:
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