Breastfeeding and autism: An electronic health records study of baby wellness visit records.
Shorter breastfeeding duration logged in routine health records can signal slightly higher autism likelihood, especially in middle-income families.
01Research in Context
What this study did
Ayelet et al. (2026) mined electronic health records from regular baby check-ups. They compared how long infants later diagnosed with autism were breastfed against neurotypical peers.
The team pulled data already stored in clinic computers. No extra tests or parent interviews were needed.
What they found
Kids who later got an autism diagnosis were breastfed about six weeks less. The gap was small and shrank further after the researchers factored in family income and education.
Lower-income families showed the clearest link; in high-income homes the difference almost disappeared.
How this fits with other research
Wan et al. (2019) reviewed dozens of studies and saw that infants later diagnosed with autism already show social gaps by six months. Shorter breastfeeding may be another early piece of that same puzzle.
Davidovitch et al. (2018) found language and motor delays at nine months in low-risk babies who later received an ASD label. Ayelet’s team adds a feeding marker that pediatricians can spot from routine visit data.
Esteban-Figuerola et al. (2019) meta-analysis showed autistic children eat less calcium and vitamin D. Earlier weaning could help explain why those nutrient gaps appear.
Why it matters
Electronic charts give you a free red flag. If a nine-month-old’s record shows early weaning plus missed milestones, you can watch that child more closely and share parent guidance sooner. No extra screening cost, just smarter use of data you already have.
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02At a glance
03Original abstract
Evidence supporting the association between breastfeeding patterns and autism is inconsistent. This study examined sociodemographic and birth factors related to breastfeeding duration and subsequent autism spectrum disorder (autism) diagnosis according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition, compared to a neurotypically developing cohort, based on electronic health records. Demographics, feeding preferences, and breastfeeding duration as reported by parents during routine baby wellness visits were analyzed for a cohort of 11,766 (1.9%) children with autism spectrum disorder diagnosis and a random subsample of 12,000 (2.03%) neurotypically developing children. Autism spectrum disorder diagnosis was based on a national autism registry and assigned after electronic health records were completed. Preterm, very low birth weight, multiple births, and complex medical comorbidities were excluded. Infants subsequently diagnosed with autism were breastfed for an average of 5.0 months, 1.5 months shorter than neurotypically developing. Fewer autism spectrum disorder infants were exclusively breastfed in the first year of life. Two-way analysis of variance indicated a significant effect of socioeconomic status and autism spectrum disorder on breastfeeding duration, and a significant interaction of socioeconomic status with autism spectrum disorder. Shorter breastfeeding duration among infants with subsequent autism spectrum disorder was confirmed, calling for closer monitoring for autism traits in infants with breastfeeding difficulties. These challenges were independent of birth parameters; however, they were influenced by socioeconomic factors.Lay AbstractThis study found that infants later diagnosed with autism were breastfed for a shorter duration than their typically developing peers, with differences influenced by socioeconomic status. These findings highlight the importance of monitoring breastfeeding challenges as a potential early indicator of autism, particularly in families of mid-range socioeconomic status.
Autism : the international journal of research and practice, 2026 · doi:10.1177/13623613251409334