Loading...
Prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has increased to 1 in 68 children in the U.S. The increase can be explained partially by shifts in case identification, however, environmental exposures may also play a role. Researchers examined whether prenatal ultrasound exposure might increase ASD risk — the study was driven by concern that modern ultrasound machines are more powerful than those tested in fetal safety studies, and animal research showing links between prenatal ultrasound exposure, potential thermal effects on neuronal migration, and deficits in offspring behavior.
The researchers reviewed medical records for children who had received prenatal ultrasound exams at a single center in Boston from 2006 to 2014. Number, duration, ty…