Final answer:
ASD is associated with higher parental age due to potential genetic mutations in older parents, along with environmental and lifestyle factors related to aging. ASD is a complex condition with multiple contributing factors, necessitating ongoing research.
Step-by-step explanation:
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is associated with higher parental age due to several factors. One factor is genetic mutations that are more likely to occur in older parents' gametes. Evidence suggests that as parents age, particularly fathers, their reproductive cells accumulate more mutations, which may contribute to the development of ASD.
Moreover, environmental factors and lifestyle changes that accompany aging can also play a role. These can lead to increased exposure to certain risks that may influence the occurrence of ASD in offspring.
It is important to note that ASD is a complex condition with multiple interacting causes, including genetic, environmental, and possibly other age-related biological factors. Research into ASD continues to evolve, aiming to provide a clearer understanding of these associations.