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Atheists have higher rates of depression and suicide than theists (see: [[Atheism and depression]] and [[Atheism and suicide]]). The use of antidepressants by mothers during pregnancy increases the risk of autism spectrum disorders in children, according to a Swedish study.<ref>[http://www.drugwatch.com/2013/05/10/antidepressant-use-pregnancy-autism/ Study: Autism Linked to Antidepressant Drug Use During Pregnancy]</ref> Secular societies and atheists tend to experience loneliness more also (see: [[Atheism and loneliness]]).  

Atheists have higher rates of depression and suicide than theists (see: [[Atheism and depression]] and [[Atheism and suicide]]). The use of antidepressants by mothers during pregnancy increases the risk of autism spectrum disorders in children, according to a Swedish study.<ref>[http://www.drugwatch.com/2013/05/10/antidepressant-use-pregnancy-autism/ Study: Autism Linked to Antidepressant Drug Use During Pregnancy]</ref> Secular societies and atheists tend to experience loneliness more also (see: [[Atheism and loneliness]]).  

Air pollution is thought to be a potential cause of autism as far as expecting mothers and in the Western World atheists tend to live in urban environments rather than rural environments.<ref>Reprod Toxicol. 2015 Aug 15;56:155-69. doi: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2015.05.007. Epub 2015 May 27. [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26021712 Prenatal factors associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)]. Ornoy A1, Weinstein-Fudim L2, Ergaz Z3.</ref> According to Annie Laurie Gaylor of the [[Freedom From Religion Foundation]], "It’s still lonely being an atheist in rural America."<ref>[http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2014/05/24/atheists-in-the-bible-belt-a-survival-guide/ Atheists in the Bible Belt, CNN</ref>  On the other hand, in some areas of Western World, religious immigrants often live in urban areas.<ref>[http://www.migrationpolicy.org/article/counting-immigrants-cities-across-globe Counting Immigrants in Cities across the Globe]</ref>

Air pollution is thought to be a potential cause of autism as far as expecting mothers and in the Western World atheists tend to live in urban environments rather than rural environments.<ref>Reprod Toxicol. 2015 Aug 15;56:155-69. doi: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2015.05.007. Epub 2015 May 27. [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26021712 Prenatal factors associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)]. Ornoy A1, Weinstein-Fudim L2, Ergaz Z3.</ref> According to Annie Laurie Gaylor of the [[Freedom From Religion Foundation]], "It’s still lonely being an atheist in rural America."<ref>[http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2014/05/24/atheists-in-the-bible-belt-a-survival-guide/ Atheists in the Bible Belt, CNN</ref>  On the other hand, in some areas of the Western World, religious immigrants often live in urban areas.<ref>[http://www.migrationpolicy.org/article/counting-immigrants-cities-across-globe Counting Immigrants in Cities across the Globe]</ref>

==== Autism appears to be rare in religious Africa ====

==== Autism appears to be rare in religious Africa ====