A new study published in Autism Research reveals that the age of maternal grandparents when they have children is linked to the likelihood of their grandchildren developing autism. The research shows that this association varies substantially across different racial and ethnic groups. These variations suggest that environmental and social factors operate alongside biology to influence child development across multiple generations. Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by repetitive behaviors and challenges with social communication. In recent decades, the identified prevalence of autism has grown rapidly. In California, the proportion of children diagnosed with the condition increased dramatically between the early 2000s and recent years. During this period, the diagnostic rates among historically underrepresented minority groups surpassed the rates seen in white children. As diagnostic rates have shifted, demographic patterns in family planning have also changed. The average age of parents at the time of childbirth has steadily increased in the United States. Past research has established a firm association between older parental age and a higher chance of having a child on the …