FATORES AMBIENTAIS ASSOCIADOS AO RISCO DE TRANSTORNO DO ESPECTRO AUTISTA: UMA REVISÃO DE ESCOPO

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by deficits in social communication and restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior. Although genetic factors are widely recognized in the etiology of ASD, increasing evidence points to the contribution of environmental factors, especially those present during pregnancy and the first years of life. This study aimed to identify the main environmental factors associated with the risk of developing ASD, through a scoping review based on the PRISMA-ScR methodology. The search in the PubMed databases resulted in the inclusion of fifteen studies that addressed maternal exposure to associated environmental agents, such as: advanced parental age; stress; metabolic, endocrine and dietary conditions; immune dysfunction; and exposure to chemical environmental agents. It is concluded that prevention strategies and public policies aimed at prenatal care and maternal and child health are essential to reduce the risks associated with the disorder.