Table 2 Overlap between VPA model and ASD

Deficits in social interaction

Reduced social investigation, impaired attraction to maternal bedding, maternal odor-induced potentiation of startle

Impaired social communication

Reduced USVs and altered call structure

Repetitive/stereotypical behaviors

Increased stereotypic-like beam breaks [8, 57]

Comorbid anxiety disorders [36, 37]

Reduced open field exploration in females

Enhanced baseline startle amplitude in males

Early amygdala overgrowth [32]

Enhanced P10 nervous system and cellular development and function pathways

Reduced amygdala volume [11, 12], neuron number [15], and activity [19, 20] in adolescents and adults

Reduced P21 nervous system and cellular development and function, and enhanced cellular death and psychological disorder pathways

Gastrointestinal problems [97]

Enhanced P21 gastrointestinal tract and colorectal cancer genes

Immune alterations [96]

Altered P10 and P21 immune function and cancer pathways

Male predominance [64]

Behavioral alterations primarily in males