Can prenatal examinations rule out autism?

Prenatal examinations generally cannot rule out autism, although some tests may indirectly assess the risk of autism.

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder, and symptoms typically appear in early childhood. Autism is a complex condition with multiple contributing factors, including genetics, environment, and neurobiology. Currently, there are no specific prenatal tests that can accurately detect autism. Even with comprehensive prenatal examinations, the risk of autism cannot be completely excluded.

Some tests may provide an indirect assessment of the risk. Prenatal screening during pregnancy, such as Down syndrome screening, primarily targets chromosomal abnormalities but may also detect some indicators related to neurodevelopment, such as an increased risk of neural tube defects, which might indirectly suggest the presence of a neurodevelopmental disorder. Ultrasound examinations can assess fetal brain structure and development. Although they cannot directly diagnose autism, abnormal brain development detected through ultrasound may indicate an increased risk of autism.

In daily life, pregnant women should regularly visit hospitals for check-ups to monitor the health status of the fetus. They should maintain a healthy lifestyle and avoid exposure to harmful substances.