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Autism Spectrum Disorders
More About Possible Causes of AutismAre Autistic Brains Different? Is Autism a Genetic Disorder? Can food allergies cause autism? Dig Deeper Into Causes of AutismCDC site on vaccine safetyDo Vaccines Cause Autism?Is Autism on the Rise? What Causes Autism?What Causes Autism?: The bottom line is, no one really knows for sure what causes autism. Most experts will say that autism is probably caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Even those experts, though, do not have a definite answer. For many people, this uncertainty is terribly frustrating. On the plus side, interest in and funding for autism research is on the rise, so new and better information should be forthcoming in the next months and years. Do Vaccines Cause Autism?: There are two theories that link autism and vaccines. The first theory suggests that the MMR (Mumps-Measles-Rubella) vaccine may cause intestinal problems leading to the development of autism. The second theory suggests that a mercury-based preservative called thimerosal, used in some vaccines, could be connected to autism. To find out more, read Do Vaccines Cause Autism? and Is Autism on the Rise?. Is Autism Genetic?: It is very likely that autism has a genetic basis of some sort. Many studies have shown that parents from families with autistic members are more likely to have autistic children. It is also the case that many families with one autistic child are at increased risk of having more than one autistic child. Exploring Autism is the website for genetics research sponsored by the National Association for Autism Research (now a part of Autism Speaks). Is Autism Caused by Bad Parenting?: No. Dr. Kanner, the man who first identified autism as a unique condition, had the idea that cold “refrigerator” mothers caused autism. He was wrong. Dr. Kanner's misinterpretation of autism created a generation of parents carrying the guilt for their child's disability. Fortunately, our generation is spared that burden! Is Autism Caused By Atypical Brain Development?: Some researchers have found differences between the autistic brain and the typical brain. Autistic individuals seem to have larger brains. They also seem to process information differently; in other words, their brains are "wired" differently. Research on this issue is ongoing at The University of Pittsburgh. Is Autism an Immune Deficiency Problem?:
Sources: "Finding Supports Theory That Autism Results From Failure of Brain Areas To Work Together"NIH News, November 2004 Updated: June 3, 2006
Lisa Jo Rudy is a veteran science writer and author of dozens of articles for organizations including the National Geographic Society and the National Science Foundation. As the mother of a boy with autism, she is also an active member of the autism community.
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