Biopsychosocial factors during pregnancy and their implications for autism spectrum disorder: a scoping review.

INTRODUCTION

The human brain is part of the central nervous system (CNS) and is responsible for all sensory and motor functions of the body. Regarding its functionality, two types of individuals can be identified: neurotypical individuals, with typical neurological patterns, and neurodiverse individuals, who present variations in their neurological, sensory, communicative, and social characteristics. The last concept includes individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

OBJECTIVE

To determine the biopsychosocial risk factors that influence the development of ASD during pregnancy. METHOD: A scoping review of articles in the respective research field was conducted in six databases from 2013 to January 2025. A total of twenty-four articles were included, using MeSH/DeCS and open-source keywords. The inclusion criteria were: (i) quantitative, (ii) primary, and (iii) with a confirmed diagnosis of ASD.

RESULTS

Among the biological factors associated with ASD, maternal nutritional status, gestational age and infant birth weight were predominant. During pregnancy and the postpartum period, some of the associated factors were preeclampsia, diabetes mellitus, maternal fever and neonatal asphyxia. Regarding psychosocial factors, stress, depression, and smoking were highlighted, as well as the mother’s years of education. All the aforementioned variables showed an association with the development of ASD in the offspring.

CONCLUSIONS

Several biopsychosocial factors are implicated in the development of ASD during pregnancy. This fact highlights its multifactorial cause, as well as the importance of further studying those variables with the greatest implications.