Prenatal Ultrasonography and the Incidence of Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a behaviorally diagnosed disorder reflecting clinically significant and persistent impairments in social communication and restricted and repetitive behaviors, interests, and activities. Autism spectrum disorder is a heterogeneous disorder, with variability in severity of impairment, intellectual, and language ability and comorbid behavioral and medical concerns. The diagnostic category has undergone historical shifts over time, changing the boundaries of inclusion and categorization. As noted by Chaste et al, our understanding of the etiology of ASD is complex and has also evolved through time. Currently, ASD, as with other psychiatric disorders, is thought to reflect a complex set of genetic and environmental contributions. The most replicated findings of increased nongenetic risk for ASD include pregnancy-related complications and perinatal conditions. Unfortunately, the focus on other environmental causes has often progressed down less mechanistically justifiable pathways.
Source: JAMA Pediatrics - Category: Pediatrics Source Type: research