Environmental Factors in the Preconception and Prenatal Periods in Relation to Risk forASD

Abstract

AbstractEvidence is accumulating for potential contributions to ASD risk from preconception or prenatal maternal nutrition, lifestyle, infection, medications, and exposures to environmental chemicals. No single or universal cause is likely; rather, multiple genetic variants and noninherited factors appear to combine to affect each child's development. Key concepts for future research include specificity to ASD versus causes common to other neurodevelopmental conditions, gene‐by‐environment interactions, and critical windows of vulnerability that may vary by exposure.