What Causes Autism?
Scientists are not certain what causes autism, but it is likely that both genetics and environment play a role. Researchers have identified a number of genes associated with the disorder. Studies of people with autism have found irregularities in several regions of the brain. Other studies suggest that people with autism have abnormal levels of serotonin or other neurotransmitters in the brain. These abnormalities suggest that autism could result from the disruption of normal brain development early in fetal development caused by defects in genes that control brain growth and that regulate how neurons communicate with each other. While these findings are intriguing, they are preliminary and require further study. The theory that parental practices are responsible for autism has now been disproved. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke How is autism treated? There is no cure for autism. Therapies and behavioral interventions are designed to treat specific symptoms and
There is no known single cause for autism, but it’s generally accepted that it is caused by abnormalities in the brain’s structure. Scans show differences in the shape and structure of the brain in children with autism versus others. Autism tends to occur more frequently than expected among individuals who have certain medical conditions, including Fragile X syndrome, tuberous sclerosis, congenital rubella syndrome, and untreated phenylketonuria (PKU). Additionally, researchers are finding that other factors–such as environmental toxins–may contribute to the rise of autism.
Current research suggests there may be many factors involved in causing autism-related disorders. A child’s risk of autism is thought to increase under the cumulative weight of various risk factors, so that a child’s genetic factors and the way in which he develops prenatally may make him more vulnerable to other factors. These factors may include infectious illnesses, toxic substances (e.g., lead, methylmercury, PCBs, organophosphates, nicotine, and endocrine disrupters such as Dioxin), and factors that trigger active autoimmunity in genetically predisposed children, such as viral infections and vaccines. Psychological or physical stress does not cause autism, but may contribute to a child’s difficulty relating and communicating. For example, a child with extreme sensitivity to sensory information such as sound, touch and light, and with significant motor planning problems, can withdraw from relationships and become repetitive and self-stimulatory in a noisy and chaotic environment.
The exact causes of autism have not been identified. Autism is a brain disorder, present from birth, which affects the way the brain uses information. Recent research has identified some genetic markers for autism, though the exact role of these markers is not fully understood. Some research suggests a physical problem affecting those parts of the brain that process language and information coming in from the senses. There may be some imbalance of certain chemicals in the brain. Autism may indeed result from a combination of several “causes” both biological and environmental.
Unfortunately, the exact cause of autism is unknown, however, it is clear that children with autism are born with it, or born with the potential to develop this disorder. It is not caused by bad parenting nor is it a mental illness, and no known psychological factors in the development of the child have been determined to cause this condition. A number of theories are being investigated, including the link between heredity, genetics and medical problems.
Related Questions
- If the Lancet case report did not say MMR causes autism, and if his collection of biopsies for research purposes was pre-approved by the Ethical Practices Committee, why is there a case against Dr. Wakefield (and colleagues)?
- What Causes Fragile-X Syndrome, and How Is It Linked to Autism?
- What is known about the causes of autism?
