India, April 28 -- Many believe that having kids in the later years of your life can increase the risk of autism. But is it true? In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Pankaj Borade, a consultant psychiatrist, Ruby Hall Clinic said, "As awareness around autism grows, so do questions about potential risk factors-especially when it comes to parenting at an older age." Also read | Causes for autism in children: 5 facts to understand

Here's what you need to know:

Advanced maternal or paternal age has been associated with a slightly increased risk of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This is believed to be due to age-related genetic changes, particularly de novo mutations-that accumulate in sperm or egg cells over time.

Autism is not caused b...