What Causes Autistic Spectrum Disorders?
The causes of Autistic Spectrum Disorders are not yet known, but there is evidence that they are associated with brain abnormalities which may be the result of more than one contributory factor. Four times as many males than females are affected. There is evidence to suggest that genetic factors are responsible for some forms of autism. Scientists have for some years been attempting to identify which genes might be implicated in autism for some years. Autism is likely to develop from multiple genes rather than a single gene. The difficulty of establishing gene involvement is compounded by the interaction of genes and by their interaction with environmental factors. For these reasons genetic testing to diagnose a pre-disposition to an autistic spectrum disorder is not, at present, possible. Autism is a developmental condition affecting the way the brain processes information and there is no ‘cure’; children with autism become adults with autism. Much can be achieved to make life less ch
