Risk Factors for Autism
| About risk factors: Risk factors for Autism are factors that do not seem to be a direct cause of the disease, but seem to be associated in some way. Having a risk factor for Autism makes the chances of getting a condition higher but does not always lead to Autism. Also, the absence of any risk factors or having a protective factor does not necessarily guard you against getting Autism. For general information and a list of risk factors, see the risk center. |
Risk factor list: The list of risk factors mentioned for Autism in various sources includes:
- Family history of autism
- Family history of autism spectrum disorders
- Family history of language delay
Risk factors discussion:
For this reason, researchers are exploring whether certain conditions,
like the mother's health during pregnancy, problems during delivery, or
other environmental factors may interfere with normal brain development.
Viral infections like rubella (also called German measles), particularly
in the first three months of pregnancy, may lead to a variety of problems,
possibly including autism and retardation. Lack of oxygen to the baby and
other complications of delivery may also increase the risk of autism.
However, there is no clear link. Such problems occur in the delivery of
many infants who are not autistic, and most children with autism are born
without such factors.
1
Footnotes:
1. excerpt from Autism: NIMH
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