Rats exposed prenatally to a cocktail of ‘autoimmune’ molecules have altered levels of two types of compounds needed for brain development.

In mice exposed to maternal inflammation in the womb, a key chemical messenger never makes the switch from exciting brain signals to inhibiting them.

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

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

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.

Watch the complete replay of Judy Van de Water discussing the maternal immune system and 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.