Epidemiology of autistic disorder in Bahrain: prevalence and obstetric and familial characteristics

European and North American studies show that the prevalence of autistic disorder is increasing. This study was performed to identify the prevalence of autistic disorder in Bahrain, and determine some of the demographic and family characteristics. Using a case–control design, 100 children who received a diagnosis of autistic disorder according to DSM-IV-TR during the period 2000–2010 were selected. An equal number of controls who had received a diagnosis of nocturnal enuresis and no psychopathology were selected, matched for sex and age group. The prevalence of autistic disorder was estimated as 4.3 per 10 000 population, with a male:female sex ratio of 4:1. Significantly more cases than controls were delivered by caesarean section and had mothers who suffered prenatal complications. The prevalence estimate in Bahrain is comparable to previous reports using similar methods. Obstetric complications and caesarean section delivery may be associated with autistic disorder.