Caesareans linked with autism and ADHD – but what’s the full story?

Professor Andrew Whitehouse
Caesarean

A new study that combines data from more than 20 million births has found that a caesarean section delivery is associated with autism spectrum disorder and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.

However, the study does not indicate that caesarean section deliveries cause autism or ADHD. The truth is much more difficult to decipher, and provides an excellent case study for the old adage that correlation doesn’t equal causation.