Maternal Hair Distribution Pattern as a Potential Marker for Autism Risk in Children

BackgroundsAutism spectrum disorder (ASD) represents a rapidly growing global pediatric health concern.From an evolutionary standpoint, ectodermal developments such as scalp hair modifications,hominin brain evolution share deeply intertwined biological roots, suggesting potential linkbetween visible physical traits and neurodevelopmental profiles.ObjectivesThe primary objective of this study is to explore maternal scalp hair patterns, specifically a lowfrontal hairline, as a potential phenotypic marker associated with an increased risk of autism inoffspring. The study also aims to evaluate key epidemiological and demographic characteristicsof children with ASD, including gestational maturity, gender, birth order, feeding type andparental education levels.MethodsAn observational study was conducted at Sulaimanyah's Psychiatric Teaching Hospital from July1st to December 31st, 2025. The sample comprised 44 children aged 3-13 years old. ASDdiagnoses were established via a multidisciplinary clinical committee consisting of a specialeducation teacher, a psychologist, and a pediatric neurologist. Maternal hair patterns wereconcurrently evaluated.ResultsA low frontal hair line was 66% among mothers who had at least one child diagnosed with ASD.Conclusion While these preliminary data do not establish definitive neuro-medical causation,they highlight the potential presence of a maternal phenotypic trait linked to autism risk. Thesefindings serve to raise hypotheses regarding physical biomarkers in autism research, warrantinglarger, controlled investigations.