Animal model of autism induced by prenatal exposure to valproate: Behavioral changes and liver parameters

► The animal model induced by prenatal exposure to valproic acid (VPA) has been proposed to study autism. ► We investigated behavioral and biochemical characteristics in rats after pre-natal exposure to VPA. ► VPA rats decreased: flexibility to change strategy; social approach; and place preference to conspecifics. ► These data contribute to the understanding of neurodevelopmental symptoms associated to the autism spectrum disorder.