Environmental Risk Factors
Although no single environmental factor explains the occurrence of autism, a handful of environmental risk factors have been proposed based on data from human studies and animal research. Many risk factors that may be more significant have yet to be identified. “The rate at which environmental risk factors for autism have been identified via research and testing has not kept pace with the emerging health threat posed by this condition.”
The few promising risk factors include:
- A 1992 clinical report of children with a history of prenatal cocaine use reported language delays in 94% of them and autism in 11.4% Another study also reported substantial language delays, a characteristic of autism, in children exposed to cocaine while in the womb. "A case study of three 25-36 month olds with prenatal exposure to cocaine (as well as alcohol and other illicit drugs) reported a "notable pattern of autistic-like behaviors."
The few promising risk factors include:
- (Maternal) Drug Use
- A 1992 clinical report of children with a history of prenatal cocaine use reported language delays in 94% of them and autism in 11.4% Another study also reported substantial language delays, a characteristic of autism, in children exposed to cocaine while in the womb. "A case study of three 25-36 month olds with prenatal exposure to cocaine (as well as alcohol and other illicit drugs) reported a "notable pattern of autistic-like behaviors."
- Environmental Chemicals
- Infection and Infectious Agents
Genetic Risk Factors
Genes that can cause an increased risk for autism when altered, whether or not they are related to nerve function, are called autism susceptibility genes.
Some common genetic risk factors include:
Some common genetic risk factors include:
- Fragile X Syndrome
- Tuberous sclerosis complex
Citations:
- Are there any links between maternal drug use and autism? (n.d.). Retrieved April 11, 2017, from http://readingroom.mindspec.org/?page_id=4483
- Davis, E., Fennoy, I., Laraque, D., Kanem, N., Brown, G., & Mitchell, J. (1992, April). Autism and developmental abnormalities in children with perinatal cocaine exposure. Retrieved April 11, 2017, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2637680/
- Shelton, J. F., Hertz-Picciotto, I., & Pessah, I. N. (2012, July). Ehp.1104553.pdf[PDF]. Environmental Health Perspectives.
- Kristina Julich (4), & Mustafa Sahin (4). (1970, January 01). Autism Spectrum Disorders in Tuberous Sclerosis. Retrieved April 12, 2017, from https://link.springer.com/referenceworkentry/10.1007%2F978-1-4614-4788-7_184
- Autism Spectrum Disorder and Fragile X Syndrome. (n.d.). Retrieved April 12, 2017, from https://fragilex.org/fragile-x/fragile-x-syndrome/autism-and-fragile-x-syndrome/
- What are the Genetic Risk Factors for Autism? (n.d.). Retrieved April 12, 2017, from http://readingroom.mindspec.org/?page_id=6307