[Source:  Medical News Today]

Autism, characterized by repetitive behaviors and difficulty interacting socially, appears to be on the rise.

Much of this increase is thought to be due to better detection rates and greater awareness. However, many scientists believe that environmental or lifestyle factors might also play a role.

A recent study, carried out by researchers from the University of Bristol in the United Kingdom, looked into three generations of data from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC), a long-term data collection project carried out by the University that began in the early 1990s.

The researchers recruited expectant mothers and took in-depth information about their lifestyle, habits, and health – including whether or not they smoked. They have been followed up regularly since the project first began.

Read the Rest of this Article on Medical News Today