What is the major risk factor for autism?

Answer 1

Genetics is a major factor, but they aren't sure which genes are responsible. We are far a way from genetics counseling to let people know their risks ahead of time.

There are theories about toxins, but these are so far just theories. But we have many other reasons to clean up our environment even if pollutants aren't to blame.

Many people suspect vaccinations. I think every kid needs to be vaccinated, but the schedule it too aggressive. I would suggest vaccinating kids when they are a bit older than the government suggests. But there is no way of knowing for sure if vaccinations cause autism. It is already pretty clear thimerosal (a preservative they used to use in all vaccines) is not to blame.

But there is one sure fire way to reduce your risk of having an autistic child. DO NOT WAIT UNTIL YOUR LATE 30s TO HAVE KIDS.

A man older than 35 is just about twice as likely to have an autistic child than an man in his 20s. In this 40s, the risks are FIVE TIMES GREATER than in his 20s. And in his 50's the risk is NINE TIMES GREATER than in his 20s. I've even heard it suggested for a man to freeze his sperm in his 20s if he hasn't found "Ms Right" or if they want to wait.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/09/04/AR2006090400513_pf.html
There is a new study that the age of both parents are major factors, but I am more familar with the study that focuses on the age of the father.

Answer 2

So far, there are no risk factors if you mean what causes it...
Autism is brought on by something that nobody understands yet.
My nephew is autistic, but he did not show any characteristics until he was three. He began to talk, walk, run, laugh at the appropriate milestones and then just stopped altogether and began to regress to the point where he un potty trained himself...I know it sounds strange..
I always felt that it had something to do with the nebulizer that the doc prescribed for his allergies about the same time, but, of course, there is no proof.
Anyway, the long and the short of it is, you cannot prevent autism, just pray and if your child is autistic, love them the same or more than that of a "normal" child, because they really need it.