Abstract:
Autism spectrum disorder is a complex set of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by deficits in language development and interpersonal communication, as well as restricted and repetitive patterns of behaviors and interests. It has caused a heavy burden on families and society, and has become a global public health problem. So far, the etiology of autism spectrum disorder has not been determined. With the continuous in-depth studies, environmental factors are considered to be one of the important pathogenic factors for autism spectrum disorder. As we all know, pregnancy, peripartum, and infancy are critical periods for the growth and development of fetuses and children. Exposure to high-risk environmental factors during the periods can affect the development of central nervous system of fetuses and children, and thereby may increase the risk of children suffering from autism spectrum disorder. Therefore, this article reviewed the relationships between exposure to environmental factors and autism spectrum disorder. These environmental factors spanned from pregnancy (e.g. parent's childbearing age, ambient nitric oxide exposure, maternal medication use and toxic exposure, and pregnancy complications and comorbidities), perinatal period (e.g. preterm birth, fetal growth restriction or low birth weight infants, cesarean section, and oxytocin exposure), to infancy (e.g. infant diseases, infant medication use and toxic exposure, feeding patterns and nutrition, and intestinal microflora). This article aimed to provide reference for the etiological research and epidemiological investigation of autism spectrum disorder, as well as provide new ideas and methods for the prevention and treatment of the disease.