Epigenetics strongly influence the risk for developing autism spectrum disease. The role of environmental factors in the development of autism is a crucial area of study. Apart from genetics, the increasing prevalence of autism has generated great interest in the potential involvement of environmental toxins in our environment. This article briefly describes the environmental factors linked to autism.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a group of neurodevelopmental disorders with varying levels of severity in impairment in social communication and interaction, and restricted repetitive behaviors, interests, and activities. The number of children with ASD has been rapidly rising in the past decade. Greater ASD awareness and changes in diagnostic criteria may be contributing factors, but explain only a portion of the increased prevalence. Although the genetic contribution to the etiology…
