Objective:

Background:

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by presenting variations at the level of neurodevelopment, such as alterations in communication, and social interaction, as well as repetitive and restricted behaviors. Due to the properties that breast milk provides in cognitive development, it has been shown that this could become a protective factor in children with autism spectrum disorder because this is a condition characterized by deficits in social interaction and stereotyped behaviors.

Design/Methods:

A cross-sectional, observational, and descriptive study was carried out, we collected data through voluntary surveys where 115 pediatric patients diagnosed with Autism in childhood (CIE10 F840) and Atypical Autism (CIE10 F841) were evaluated at the Francisco Icaza Bustamante Hospital, the following variables were measured; socioeconomic level, number of people living in the house, perinatal complications, age at which autism was diagnosed, type of breastfeeding, length of time breastfeeding, complementary feeding, CARS Scale.

Results:

An important significance value (p-value < 0.004) obtained through the chi-square method, indicates that patients who received exclusive breastfeeding are related to a lower degree of autism. We also assessed that the monthly economic income of the household, less than a basic salary in Ecuador [60% < 425 dollars], is also associated with a higher degree of autism (p value < 0.036). 

Conclusions:

The association between breastfeeding and the appearance of a lower degree of autism was demonstrated in contrast to patients who received breastfeeding through formula or mixed milk. We must mention that sociodemographic antecedents such as a salary of less than 425 dollars are also associated with a higher degree of autism, so it was concluded that breastfeeding has been certified as one of the protective factor for ASD but not the only one.