Identifying Risk Factors for Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Practical Guide for Clinicians

Background and Objectives: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) arises from the interaction between genetic and non-genetic factors, including maternal conditions, perinatal complications, and early-life exposures. Recognizing these elements is essential to support primary prevention strategies. The aim of this article is to provide a practical synthesis of the main risk factors associated with ASD and to discuss the available evidence to guide Primary Care professionals. Content: Prenatal, perinatal, and postnatal risk factors were reviewed and organized into tables designed for easy clinical application. The evidence regarding vaccines and ASD is also addressed. Current high-quality evidence, including large meta-analyses, consistently demonstrates no causal association between vaccination and ASD. Passive surveillance systems are not designed to establish causality and should be interpreted with caution. Conclusions: Understanding modifiable risk factors for ASD enables Primary Care physicians and multidisciplinary teams to plan preventive interventions, support families, and promote healthy child development. This article provides a concise and practical guide for clinical decision-making and health education.