Rare Pregnancy Infections Linked to Autism and Intellectual Disability

A new study from Karolinska Institutet, published in JAMA Pediatrics, reports that certain rare infections that can pass from a pregnant woman to her fetus are associated with a higher likelihood of autism and intellectual disability in the child. The researchers emphasize that these infections occur only in rare cases.

The study adds to evidence that prenatal infections may play a role in neurodevelopmental outcomes. However, the findings point to an association rather than a proven cause, and the absolute risk remains low given how uncommon these transmitted infections are.