ASD Risk Factors

Estimates worldwide are that 1.0% of the population is on the Autism Spectrum. It is reported to occur in all racial and ethnic groups. Estimated prevalence in the United States is quite common with more than 3.5 million cases diagnosed. According to the Autism Society, prevalence in US children increased by 119% from 2000 to 2020. It appears to be 4.3 times more common in boys (3.0%) than in girls (0.7%). No one cause of autism spectrum disorder has been identified. Currently, there is no known cure. Several risk factors have been identified:     

1.     Heritability. About 15% of cases of autism spectrum disorder appear to be associated with a known genetic mutation. However, even when that mutation is present, it does not automatically follow that the person will be diagnosed with the condition. In other cases, risk appears to involve multiple genes or parts of genes.

2.     Advanced parental age at time of birth (especially mother's age)

3.     Low fetal birth weight

4.     Fetal exposure to valproate, a medication used to treat epilepsy and bipolar disorder and to prevent migraine headaches.