Chronic exposure to inflammation in the womb alters autism gene expression and disrupts social behavior in male mice, but not females.

Autism results from an interplay between genetics and the environment, but it has been tough to nail down the environmental factors involved.

Women whose children are severely autistic have lower serotonin levels than do those whose children have mild or moderate autism traits.

Taking antidepressants during pregnancy is unlikely to raise the risk of having a child with autism.

High blood pressure, preterm birth and other pregnancy complications may increase the risk of autism.

Mouse brains exposed to inflammation in the womb become more susceptible to a second challenge.

Maternal immune activation — caused by infection or even psychological stress during pregnancy — is a strong risk factor for neurological conditions such as autism.