Autism Spectrum Disorder And Prenatal Risk Factors

\n Autism spectrum disorder is a neuro-developmental disorder characterized by social interaction and communication, and restricted and repetitive behaviors. Autism is seen in nearly one of 68 children. The incidence is reported to increase, and the increase is suggested to arise from increased information, awareness and alterations in diagnostic criteria. However, environmental factors and their relationships to several unknown genetic factors are also considered to contribute to the increase. The assessment of whether environmental factors lead to risks for autism spectrum disorder in perinatal period, especially when children are exposed to these factors in a neurodevelopmentally important and fragile stage, is so important. It is reported that in pregnancy, there is an association between autism spectrum disorder, and exposure to such drugs as valporic acid, terbutaline and Selective Seratonin Reuptake Inhibitors.Exposure to heavy metals and pesticides increases the risk of autism spectrum disorder.Intense smoking, and alcohol consumption and drugsdisrupt neurodevelopmental process, Also, gestational diabetes may elavate the risk of autism spectrum disorder due to autoimmunal disorders, infections and inflammatory pocesse of prolonged fever. Migration, seasons and air pollution exposed in pregnancy are also reported to affect autism spectrum disorder risk. The awareness level between environmental factors and autism spectrum disorder should be increased among prospective mothers, and these mothers should be trained as to the risk factors. Because prospective mothers avoid these factors, or the elimination of these factors should be beneficial for reducing autism spectrum disorder risk, analyzing related studies and enlightening risk factors are especially important. Here, we aimed at revising recent studies related to prenatal factors from a holistic perspective.