How AI Could Prevent Autism Before Birth: The Maternal Immune Connection
During pregnancy, a mother’s immune system faces a delicate balancing act. When viral infections, bacterial invaders, or inflammatory conditions trigger an aggressive immune response, the resulting surge of cytokines and inflammatory molecules doesn’t just fight off threats—it can fundamentally alter fetal brain development. This phenomenon, called maternal immune activation, has emerged as one of the most compelling biological explanations for why some children develop autism spectrum disorder.
The science is striking: studies show that severe infections during pregnancy, particularly in the second trimester, correlate with increased autism risk in offspring. Animal models demonstrate …










