Study finds link between pesticides and autism A California study out Monday found that pregnant women who live near farms where pesticides are applied had a two-thirds higher risk of having children with autism. The findings in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives examine the association Study finds link between pesticides and autism A California study out Monday found that pregnant women who live near farms where pesticides are applied had a two-thirds higher risk of having children with autism. The findings in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives examine the association