A new study from the United States brings helpful news for parents. The research was published in a medical journal. Researchers wanted to see if circumcision after birth increases the risk of autism. Earlier news reports made some families worry about this topic.
Scientists analyzed health records of more than 2,700 young boys from fourteen locations. About 66 percent of the boys were circumcised before leaving the hospital. The study showed that circumcised boys did not have higher autism rates.
Doctors hope these clear results reassure parents who were concerned. Researchers are looking at other factors to explain why autism diagnoses are rising. They want to understand if testing is better now.
Difficult words
- publish — to print or share information in a reportpublished
- increase — to make something bigger in amount or sizeincreases
- reassure — to help someone stop worrying about something
- factor — a thing that helps cause a resultfactors
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- How can good scientific research help parents feel less worried?
- Why is it helpful for doctors to have clear test results?
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