The present invention relates to the field of autism. More specifically, the present invention provides methods for treating individuals with autism spectrum disorders. The present invention also provides methods for predicting a likelihood of ASD. In one embodiment, a method for treating a female patient having a high risk factor of having children with ASD comprises the steps of (a) identifying in a sample taken from the female patient the presence of AT-1 antibodies and (b) administering an effective amount of an AT-1 inhibitor or inhibitor of AT-1 antibodies to the female patient.
