AIMS:

The aim of this study is to examine whether children with higher autistic trait scores are more likely to experience reduced breastfeeding exposure, and the direction of this possible relationship. We will look at two opposing hypotheses; that reduced breastfeeding duration may be an aetiological risk factor for the subsequent development of autism spectrum disorders, or that an early manifestation of autistic traits is a decrease in the duration of breastfeeding relative to the mother's intended duration.