Identification of environmental etiologies of neurodevelopmental disorders in children

Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) are a group of chronic developmental brain dysfunctions caused by various genetic or acquired factors, characterized by high disability rates and a lack of effective treatments. The etiology of NDDs is highly complex, and it is widely believed that it arises from the interaction of genetic and environmental factors. Identifying environmental risk factors for NDDs is crucial for risk control and prevention. This review summarizes recent advancements in the identification of environmental etiologies of NDDs, introduces epidemiology-based and toxicology-based screening methods, discusses their advantages and limitations, and provides insights into future development.