Autism spectrum disorders appear to have a multifactorial etiology that includes genetic and possibly autoimmunological involvement as well as interaction with neurotoxic agents. However, little research has been conducted to determine whether in utero exposures to hazardous substances increases the risk of childhood autism spectrum disorders. Research is also at a very early stage on the risk of childhood autism from maternal consumption of alcohol and medications during pregnancy. It is known that the developing nervous system is extremely vulnerable to teratogenic agents. In addition, many of the physical anomalies coexisting with autism are indicative of damage to the nervous system early in the pregnancy, i.e., during the first trimester. Follow-up of a cohort exposed to thalidomide in utero has found an extraordinary high prevalence of autism, with all the cases of autism exposed between day 20 and day 24 of gestation when closure of the neural tube occurs. There has been speculation that first trimester in utero exposures to chemicals that are associated with the physical anomalies coexisting with autism or associated with neural tube defects might also be involved in the etiology of autism. The presentation will review the evidence from studies and case reports that have attempted to link childhood autism spectrum disorders to parental environmental and occupational exposures to hazardous substances. The presentation will also report on the investigation of a possible link between the residential locations during pregnancy of cases of childhood autism in Brick Township, NJ and environmental exposure pathways in the town.
Learning Objectives: N/A
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.