Another Potential Correlate: TORCH Infections

  In The Politics of Autism, I discuss various ideas about what causes the condition.  Dozens of potential causes and correlates have been the subject of scientific and medical research.

Sjöqvist H, Dalman C, Mataix-Cols D, Gardner RM, Karlsson H. Congenital TORCH Infections and Neurodevelopmental Outcomes. JAMA Pediatr. Published online September 21, 2026. doi:10.1001/jamapediatrics.2026.4229

Key Points

Question Are congenital TORCH (toxoplasmosis, syphilis, rubella, cytomegalovirus, or herpes simplex) infections associated with neurodevelopmental and psychiatric outcomes?

Findings In this cohort study of 3 666 002 individuals born in Sweden, including 975 who were exposed, TORCH infections were associated with intellectual disability and autism in population analyses and sibling comparisons, with markedly higher risks for severe intellectual disability and autism with co-occurring intellectual disability.

Meaning This study found that congenital TORCH infections had associations with intellectual disability and autism, underscoring the importance of strengthening global vaccination programs and other preventive strategies.

A partial list of other potential causes and correlates: 

1. Inflammatory bowel disease
2. Pesticides
3. Air pollution and proximity to freeways
4. Maternal thyroid issues
5. Autoimmune disorders
6. Induced labor
7. Preterm birth
8. Fever  
9. Birth by cesarean section;
10. Anesthesia during cesarean sections
11. Maternal and paternal obesity
12. Maternal diabetes
13. Maternal and paternal age
14. Grandparental age
15. Maternal post-traumatic stress disorder
16. Maternal anorexia
17. Smoking during pregnancy
18. Cannabis use during pregnancy
19. Antidepressant use during pregnancy
20. Polycystic ovary syndrome
21. Infant opioid withdrawal
22. Zinc deficiency
23. Sulfate deficiency
24. Processed foods
25. Maternal occupational exposure to solvents
26. Congenital heart disease
27. Insufficient placental allopregnanolone
28. Estrogen in the womb
29. Morning sickness;
30. Paternal family history
31. Parental preterm birth
32. Antiseizure meds
33. Location of forebears
34. Lithium
35. Aspartame
36. BPA
37. Brain inflammation
38. Maternal asthma
39. Infertility
40. Ultraprocessed foods
41. Household chemicals
42. Parental psychiatric disorders
43. Fluoride
44. Fatty acids in umbilical cord blood
45. Maternal inflammation during pregnancy
46. COVID-19
47. Wildfire smoke
48.  Sterol biosynthesis–inhibiting medications (SBIMs)
49. Maternal occupation history