A pregnant mouse’s response to infection alters the immune cells in her pups’ brains, and this may contribute to their autism-like behaviors.

Fever in pregnant rats around the time of delivery disrupts their pups’ communication and social behavior.

A specially made ‘decoy’ protein prevents an immune molecule from crossing the placenta; the strategy may prevent the brain changes that lead to autism.

Nearly half of American children with autism aged 10 to 17 are overweight or obese.

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.

Children born to women who received a routine vaccine while pregnant are not at an increased risk of autism.

Children born to women who had diabetes or high blood pressure while pregnant may be at an increased risk of autism.

Autism and intelligence share genetic variants, researchers grow Neanderthal mini-brains and see overlap with autism, and maternal diabetes is an autism risk factor.