The harmful effects of covid-19 could span generations, according to a new study published this week. The research finds that children whose mothers contract covid-19 during pregnancy are more likely than their peers to develop autism spectrum disorder later in life.

Scientists at Mass General Brigham in Boston analyzed thousands of births in the area that occurred during the height of the covid-19 pandemic. Women who caught the infectious disease during pregnancy had a modest but noticeably higher risk of having children later diagnosed with autism and other developmental issues, they found.

Though not definitive, the findings indicate the need for more research into maternal cases of covid-19, the researchers said.

“These findings highlight the importance of long-term neurodevelopment

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