How does maternal immigration status affect autism risk?

PostedNovember 28, 2025

UpdatedNovember 28, 2025

ByMy Patient Advice

Author: Beatrice Holloway, MSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Research suggests a nuanced relationship between maternal immigration and autism risk, though immigration itself isn’t a direct cause of autism. Rather, the challenges immigrant mothers encounter during pregnancy such as language barriers, unstable housing, and limited healthcare access may subtly shape early developmental environments.

Studies from across Europe highlight that children born to immigrant mothers particularly those arriving during pregnancy showed higher rates of autism-spectrum diagnoses, especially when paired with intellectual disability. For instance, research in Sweden found that women who migrated while pregnant were nearly twice as likely to have a child with autism compared to long-term residents. A systematic review also reported elevated ASD risk among children of migrant mothers, suggesting stress and epigenetic factors may play a role.

Transient housing situations, separation from support networks, and cultural adjustment contribute to increased social stress during pregnancy potentially influencing neurodevelopment through physiological stress pathways. These aren’t direct biological factors but environmental conditions that could amplify vulnerability in genetically predisposed children.

How Enhanced Awareness Helps

Knowing these connections means prenatal care can be more inclusive and responsive:

Proactive prenatal monitoring

Offering frequent scans and developmental screenings when support systems are limited can help families gain clarity and confidence early.

Culturally sensitive outreach

Providing language-accessible materials, familiar community contacts, and trauma-informed care can bridge trust and improve support.

Although maternal immigration itself doesn’t cause autism, the surrounding context may elevate risk highlighting the importance of accessible, compassionate prenatal care for all families.

Visit providers like Autism Detect for personal consultations that respect your background while focusing on early developmental guidance.

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to Pre‑natal and Birth‑related Factors.

Beatrice Holloway, MSc

Author

Beatrice Holloway is a clinical psychologist with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and a BS in Applied Psychology. She specialises in CBT, psychological testing, and applied behaviour therapy, working with children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), developmental delays, and learning disabilities, as well as adults with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety, OCD, and substance use disorders. Holloway creates personalised treatment plans to support emotional regulation, social skills, and academic progress in children, and delivers evidence-based therapy to improve mental health and well-being across all ages.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy.

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Reviewer

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy.