Autism spectrum disorder is one of the neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by impaired social interaction and communication and restricted and repetitive behaviors. According to recent studies, Autism is seen in one in every 68 children.
Genetic and environmental factors are thought to be effective among the causes of autism. Studies have shown that some environmental factors increase the risk of autism, and in this article, the main environmental factors that are shown to be related or not to autism are mentioned in the light of scientific data.
Thalidomide, used for nausea and vomiting in the 1960s, Valproic acid, used for epilepsy, It is known that Misoprostol, which is used to terminate unwanted pregnancies, increases the risk of autism. It is known that mercury, a heavy metal, increases the risk of autism. It is also thought that autistic children have increased sensitivity to some metals.
Diabetes that develops during pregnancy, bleeding, and premature birth may increase the risk of autism. The risk of developing autism increases in babies of mothers exposed to teratogenic agents such as rubella in the first 3 months of pregnancy. There is not enough evidence that measles, mumps, chickenpox, CMV, HSV cause autism. It has been observed that the frequency of autism is high in societies with low vitamin D levels, and the information that vitamin D deficiency causes autism is still not clear.
It is known that smoking causes autism, and smoking during pregnancy doubles the risk of autism. However, there is no information that alcohol consumption causes autism.
The risk of autism is high in the children of fathers who have children at an older age. Assisted reproductive techniques such as in vitro fertilization have also been suggested to be potentially associated with autism. However, studies have found that it is associated with mental retardation.
The risk of autism increases in babies of mothers who spend their pregnancy in winter. It has been shown that there is a 6% increase in the risk of autism in winter pregnancies compared to summer months. It is thought that the relationship between winter months and autism may be related to low vitamin D levels. Mothers with depression during pregnancy The risk of autism also increases in children.
Exposure to air pollution during pregnancy leads to an increase in the risk of autism. In particular, air containing heavy metals and particulate matter plays a significant role in this increased risk. Studies have found that the risk of autism in children exposed to high levels of air pollution is 3 times higher than in children exposed to the lowest levels of air pollution.
In a study investigating indoor environmental factors, children's and parent's bedrooms were examined using Polyvinylchloride (PVC). It has been shown that the risk of autism doubles in homes with flooring.
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