There is currently **no authoritative scientific evidence that states with higher drinking rates have more autism**. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition with multifactorial causes, and alcohol consumption patterns at the population level do not appear to be directly linked to autism prevalence.
Autism is understood to arise from a combination of genetic and environmental factors, but maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy is *probably not* a cause of autism. According to a comprehensive review on autism causes, alcohol consumption during pregnancy has not been established as a causal factor for autism, although it is well-known to cause other developmental disorders such as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) [2]. This distinction is important because while alcohol exposure in utero can cause brain damage and developmental delays, it does not appear to increase autism risk specifically.
At the individual level, some people with autism may develop alcohol addiction or substance use disorders, often as a way to cope with social anxiety, sensory sensitivities, or other challenges associated with autism. However, this is a consequence of autism rather than a cause. For example, alcohol addiction in autistic individuals may start as self-medication to alleviate social difficulties but can worsen their condition over time [1]. This relationship is about comorbidity and coping mechanisms, not about alcohol consumption causing autism.
Research studies on autism typically exclude participants with substance abuse or alcohol addiction to avoid confounding factors, indicating that substance use is considered a separate issue from autism itself [3]. Moreover, the neurobiological underpinnings of autism involve genetic and brain development pathways that are not directly influenced by adult alcohol consumption patterns.
Evolutionary biology research suggests that autism-associated genes have undergone recent human-specific selection, but this is unrelated to alcohol consumption rates in populations [6]. Long-term alcohol use affects liver regeneration and other health aspects but does not influence autism prevalence.
In summary, while alcohol use and autism can intersect in terms of addiction and coping strategies, **there is no evidence that states or regions with higher alcohol drinking rates have higher autism rates**. Autism’s causes are primarily genetic and early developmental, and maternal alcohol use is not a proven risk factor for autism, though it is harmful in other developmental ways [2][1][3].
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**Sources:**
[1] UKAT – Autism and addiction: https://www.ukat.co.uk/mental-health/autism-and-addiction/
[2] Wikipedia – Causes of autism: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Causes_of_autism
[3] Nature article on autism study exclusion criteria: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41398-025-03566-2
[6] RNA-Seq Blog – Evolution and autism rates: https://www.rna-seqblog.com/how-evolution-explains-autism-rates-in-humans/
