WHAT CAUSES AUTISM?

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) does not have a single known cause—it results from a complex interplay of genetic, neurological, and environmental factors. Here's a breakdown of what is currently understood:

🔬 1. Genetic Factors (Most Significant Contributor)

• Heritability is high: Studies show that autism tends to run in families.
• Hundreds of genes have been linked to autism, many involved in:
• Brain development
• Synaptic communication between neurons
• Some children inherit genetic variations, while others may have spontaneous (de novo) mutations.

Examples:

• Mutations in genes like SHANK3, MECP2, or CHD8.
• Conditions like Fragile X syndrome or Rett syndrome can include autistic traits.

🧠 2. Neurological Differences

• Brain imaging studies show differences in:
• Connectivity (hyper- or hypo-connected brain networks)
• Size and growth patterns (some children show early overgrowth)
• Activity in areas related to social interaction, language, and sensory processing

🌱 3. Environmental and Prenatal Risk Factors

These do not cause autism on their own, but may increase risk when combined with genetic susceptibility:

• Advanced parental age (especially paternal)
• Prenatal exposures:
• Valproic acid, thalidomide
• Certain infections (e.g., rubella) during pregnancy
• Low birth weight or prematurity
• Maternal metabolic conditions (e.g., diabetes, obesity)

Important: Extensive research shows no link between vaccines and autism. This is a widely discredited theory stemming from a retracted and fraudulent 1998 study.

🧩 Summary:

Autism likely emerges from the interaction of genetic predisposition and early brain development, influenced by environmental conditions during pregnancy or early life. It’s not caused by parenting styles or social factors.