In The Politics of Autism, I discuss various ideas about what causes the condition.
Is there an association between prenatal exposure to antiseizure medications and neurodevelopmental disorders?
Findings In this cohort study including 25 000 children prenatally exposed to antiseizure medications, of which 16 000 were born to mothers with epilepsy, topiramate and valproate in monotherapy were associated with a 2- to 4-fold increased risk of autism spectrum disorders and intellectual disability. Prenatal exposure to duotherapy with levetiracetam with carbamazepine and lamotrigine with topiramate, but not levetiracetam with lamotrigine, were also associated with child neurodevelopmental disorders within the same range as for valproate exposure.
Meaning In this study, prenatal exposure to valproate, topiramate, and several duotherapies were associated with increased risk of child neurodevelopmental disorders.
Exposure to these meds just joins a growing list of correlates, risk factors, and possible causes that have been the subject of serious studies: