About the Study : Is neonatal medical male circumcision (NMC) associated with child autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or autism-related traits and behaviors? In this cohort study of 2771 male children from 14 cohort sites in the Environmental Influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) Cohort, NMC was not associated with ASD diagnosis or autism-related traits and behaviors. These findings were robust after stratification by geographic region, preterm birth, and neonatal intensive care unit admission status; additionally, acetaminophen use during the procedure or in the neonatal period was uncommon (<5%). This study found no evidence that NMC is associated with an increased risk of ASD, which may provide reassurance for families who are considering or have elected NMC for their child.
Corresponding Author : Monica McGrath, ScD, MHS, Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD 21205 ( mmcgrat4@jhu.edu ).
10.1001/jamapediatrics.2026.3239
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JAMA Pediatrics