What risk factor increases the likelihood of Autism in children?

Maternal age over 40 is recognized as a risk factor that can increase the likelihood of autism spectrum disorders in children. Research has demonstrated that advanced maternal age is associated with a higher incidence of various developmental issues, including autism. This may be linked to age-related genetic mutations and other biological factors that could affect fetal brain development during pregnancy.

The other options either do not have a significant link to autism risk or are associated with neutral or differing outcomes. For instance, high socioeconomic status might provide better access to healthcare and educational resources, potentially leading to early diagnosis and intervention, but it does not inherently increase the risk of autism. Low paternal age is typically not associated with increased autism risk and may not hold the same implications as maternal age does. Lastly, consistent exercise during pregnancy is generally considered beneficial for both maternal and fetal health, with no evidence suggesting that it would contribute to an increased risk of autism in children.