A systematic review of the correlation between exposure to environmental pollution and autism in children under 9 years in Middle Eastern countries

Over the past decade, there has been a significant increase in the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) worldwide. However, the precise causes of this disorder remain unclear. This review seeks to explore the potential link between environmental pollution and the development of autism spectrum disorder in children aged 9 and under in the Middle East.

The research was conducted by searching across three electronic databases: PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases using a combination of related terms. The inclusion criteria were all quantitative studies published in peer-reviewed journals in the English language between 2000 and 2023. Each study’s quality was evaluated using a modified version of the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale for cross-sectional studies. Narrative synthesis was used for data analysis.

Out of 78 records retrieved, 7 studies met the inclusion criteria. The results indicate that exposure to environmental pollutants during childhood growth and development may have significant associations with ASD. However, there is a dearth of quality evidence on this subject, with few studies conducted in the Middle East, and those that exist often lack rigor.

Research highlights the significance of preventing environmental degradation and reducing pollutant emissions in the Middle East to mitigate the effects on child mental health. Further research on the relationship between environmental toxins and ASD is deemed essential for public health and societal welfare.