ANALYSING THE PUBLIC HEALTH RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS AND NEURODEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS

Abstract

Several studies have shown that environmental factors play a significant role in the pathophysiology of neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD).  Social interaction deficit, cognitive impairment, intellectual problems, and repetitive and stereotyped behavioural patterns are a few of the manifestations of ASD, a neurodevelopmental disorder that reduces the quality of life of individuals who are afflicted with it. Environmental and genetic variables influencing developmental physiological processes have been implicated in the pathophysiology of ASD. In this review, we discuss studies of the interface between the environment and neurodevelopmental disorders and the mechanism by which environmental toxins can impact neurodevelopment. Moreover, reports identifying neurotoxic metals—more particularly, lead, mercury, cadmium, nickel, and manganese—as environmental risk factors in the aetiology of ASD are covered under this review. Based on this study, improving the environment could be crucial in controlling ASD.