Fetal origins of autism spectrum disorders: the non-associated maternal factors

AIM: Several population-based studies have been conducted to determine whether maternal exposures are involved in the pathophysiology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We review these studies and describe the factors not associated with increased risk for ASD development. METHODS: We identified studies describing associations between maternal exposures and ASD development. These studies include the Childhood Autism Risks from Genetics and the Environment, Nurses’ Health Study II, and the Swedish population registry. RESULTS: Factors not associated with ASD development include Type 2 and gestational diabetes, chronic hypertension, fever treated with antipyretic medication, autoimmune disease and short interpregnancy intervals. CONCLUSION: There is increasing evidence that maternal exposures are involved in the pathophysiology of ASD in the developing fetus.