In The Politics of Autism, I discuss various ideas about what causes the condition.
At JAMA Network Open, Angla Matel and colleagues have an article titled "Analysis of Neurodevelopmental Disorders in Offspring of Mothers With Eating Disorders in Sweden." From the abstract: "These findings suggest that children born to mothers with eating disorders, in particular disorders that were active during pregnancy, were at increased risk of developing ADHD and ASD. "
Anorexia thus joins a growing list of correlates, risk factors, and possible causes that have been the subject of serious studies:
- Acetaminophen;
- Pesticides;
- Air pollution and proximity to freeways;
- Maternal thyroid issues;
- Autoimmune disorders;
- Induced labor;
- Preterm birth;
- Fever;
- Birth by cesarean section;
- Anesthesia during cesarean sections;
- Maternal and paternal obesity;
- Maternal diabetes;
- Maternal and paternal age;
- Grandparental age;
- Maternal post-traumatic stress disorder;
- Smoking during pregnancy;
- Cannabis use during pregnancy;
- Antidepressant use during pregnancy;
- Polycystic ovary syndrome;
- Infant opioid withdrawal;
- Zinc deficiency;
- Sulfate deficiency;
- Processed foods;
- Maternal occupational exposure to solvents;
- Congenital heart disease;
- Insufficient placental allopregnanolone.
- Estrogen in the womb;
- Morning sickness;
- Paternal family history;
- Parental preterm birth.
