A new Irish study has suggested a link between autism and caesarean sections, however the scientists have emphasised that more research is needed to explore the potential risk.

According to the findings, children born via caesarean section have a 23% increased risk of developing autism.

Autism, also known as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a biological disorder of the brain that impairs communication and social skills. Signs can include an absence of eye contact, apparent aloofness, avoidance of physical contact even with family, difficulty dealing with interruptions to routine and a lack of interest in other children and what they are doing.

The scientists who were based at University College Cork (UCC) analysed data relating to published studies which investigated the effects of having a baby via caesarean section on the risk of autism. The studies came from a number of countries, including the US, Australia and Sweden.

However the scientists urged caution when interpreting the results, as even though there is an elevated risk, it is small. Furthermore, it is unclear what is causing this link. They said that when it comes to autism, further studies are required to attempt to understand the relationship between genetic factors and environmental factors, such as the method of delivery during childbirth.

According to one of the researchers, consultant obstetrician, Prof Louise Kenny, ‘parents should be reassured that the overall risk of a child developing ASD is very small and that caesarean section is largely a very safe procedure and when medically indicated, it can be lifesaving,".

However, the study's lead author, Eileen Curran, also pointed out that more research is needed ‘given the accelerating rate of caesarean section globally'.

"This finding warrants further research of a more robust quality using larger populations to adjust for important potential confounders and explore potential causal mechanisms," she said.

Details of these findings are published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry.