Predisposing factors for Autism Spectrum Disorder include which of the following?

Predisposing factors for Autism Spectrum Disorder include which of the following?

• A. Diet and exercise
• B. Sleep patterns only
• C. Abnormal brain development
• D. Abnormal brain development; genetics; involvement of neurotransmitters

Answer: (D)

Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental condition with a biological basis, so predisposition comes from factors that affect brain development and function. Abnormal brain development reflects atypical patterns of neural connectivity and brain organization that arise early and contribute to the risk of ASD. Genetics plays a major role, with multiple genes contributing to inherited risk and higher concordance in identical twins, underscoring a strong heritable component. Neurotransmitter involvement points to chemical signaling imbalances in the brain—such as systems using serotonin, GABA, and glutamate—that can influence how neural networks develop and function, further increasing susceptibility. Diet and exercise do not have established roles as predisposition factors, and while sleep disturbances are common in ASD, they are typically a consequence or comorbidity rather than a cause.

Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental condition with a biological basis, so predisposition comes from factors that affect brain development and function. Abnormal brain development reflects atypical patterns of neural connectivity and brain organization that arise early and contribute to the risk of ASD. Genetics plays a major role, with multiple genes contributing to inherited risk and higher concordance in identical twins, underscoring a strong heritable component. Neurotransmitter involvement points to chemical signaling imbalances in the brain—such as systems using serotonin, GABA, and glutamate—that can influence how neural networks develop and function, further increasing susceptibility. Diet and exercise do not have established roles as predisposition factors, and while sleep disturbances are common in ASD, they are typically a consequence or comorbidity rather than a cause.