So suggests some recent research from form the UK’s University of Cambridge. Dr Michael Lombardo and Prof Simon Baron-Cohen have conducted research which suggest that high exposure to testosterone ( and some other hormones) in the womb can lead to a diagnosis of ASD in later life. However this applies to boys rather than girls.

According to Baron-Cohen this is one of the first non genetic markers which has been so far identified.

But this does not mean that presence of these hormones will provide a pre-natal teat for autism or will blocking these hormones lead prevent the development of autism. The hormones are necessary for the development of a healthy foetus.

You can read up on the research in more detail at the BBC web site here.