Does autism begin in the womb?

Probably not: Many autistic persons develop normally for a while before the onset of the disease.

Yes : Evidence is mounting for a genetic predisposition for autism. Although symptoms may not be seen until two yrs of age, the abnormal neural framework is present at conception. Many factors may trigger an already extent predisposition to autism, including maternal nutrition, maternal parity, time from previous pregnancy, neurotrauma, maternal infection, and maternal health.