Assisted Reproduction and Childhood Neurodevelopment: Risks, Research, and Realities

Assisted Reproductive Techniques (ART), such as IVF and ICSI, have revolutionized infertility treatment but may carry potential risks for neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) in offspring. Studies suggest a slightly increased risk of conditions like autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and developmental delays, possibly due to factors like multiple births, prematurity, or underlying parental infertility. However, the overall risk remains low, and most ART-conceived children develop typically. Continued research is needed to fully understand the long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes of ART.