The list of risk factors mentioned for Autism in various sources includes:
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. (Source: excerpt from Autism: NIMH)
The following medical news items are relevant to risk factors for Autism:
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.
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