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The Autism Spectrum Disorder and Its Possible Origins in Pregnancy
Summary
This review examines the potential causes of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) that may originate during pregnancy, including maternal exposure to environmental pollutants. Among the risk factors discussed are endocrine-disrupting chemicals found in plastics, such as bisphenol A and phthalates, which may interfere with fetal brain development. The paper highlights the importance of reducing pregnant women's exposure to environmental contaminants to lower the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) belongs to the group of neurodevelopmental disorders, and has a high prevalence, affecting 1 in 100 children according to data from the World Health Organization (WHO). To be diagnosed with ASD, the child must have persistent deficits in communication and social interactions, and restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities. Despite its prevalence, the etiology of ASD is still uncertain, with multifactorial characteristics, including those associated with the gestational period, where maternal exposure to biological, chemical, or physical hazards occurs, some of which have already been proposed as causes of ASD outcomes. Since pregnancy requires a balance between the maternal-fetal binomial, the breakdown of this balance caused by such environmental hazards can lead to altered fetal neurodevelopment, including ASD. With this firmly in mind, this review aims to compile the most recent data on the gestational causes that may be associated with the development of ASD to help health professionals identify risk factors and act for the prevention and management of ASD.
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