RISK FACTORS OF ASD (AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER) IN CHILDREN IN SURABAYA CITY

Abstract

Abstract. Autism spectrum disorder is a brain development disorder in children aged 2-3 years that
causes children to experience impaired communication, social interaction, and behavior. In East Java
Province as many as 20,521 children have autism and in Surabaya City as many as 1,556 children.
The purpose of this study was to determine risk factors for autism spectrum disorder in children in
Surabaya City. The method uses a descriptive method with a retrospective type of research. The
sample was set at 30 cases with non-probability purposive sampling technique. The variables of this
study were genetic factors, age of mother pregnancy, preeclampsia, antepartum hemorrhage, seafood,
history of asphyxia, and low birth weight. This research will be conducted in Surabaya from June to
July 2023. This research instrument used a questionnaire with a guttman scale. The results of research
showed that risk factors for autism spectrum disorder are mostly genetic factors, almost entirely age
of mother pregnancy 20-35 years, most history of preeclampsia, and history of antepartum
hemorrhage, almost entirely seafood, most history of asphyxia, and history of low birth weight. It can
be concluded genetic, prenatal, and postnatal in this study affect risk of autism spectrum disorder. It’s
recommended, for parents to do regular check-ups during pregnancy, starting from early to late
trimester of pregnancy, examination of growth and development of children aged 0-24 months, and
use nearest health facilities to get information about autism spectrum disorder in children. It’s hoped
that parents, especially mothers, can prevent risk of autism spectrum disorder.
Keywords: Risk factors of ASD, Children.