Causes of Autism

In most cases the cause of autism with the nervous system is unknown. Research findings indicate strong genetic components that are mostly like, environmental, immunologic, and metabolic factors also influence the development of the disorder. Some causes are as follows:

• There is probably no single gene or genetic defect that is responsible for the disorder and Researchers suspect that there are a number of different genes that, when combined together, increase the risk of getting the condition. In families with one child with the condition, the risk of having another child with the disease is 3-8% due to genetic problems.

The concordance of condition in monozygotic twins is 30% and even number of studies have found that first-degree relatives of children with the condition also have an increased risk of autism spectrum disorders.

• In some children, the disorder is linked to an underlying medical condition for examples include metabolic disorders, congenital infections like rubella, genetic disorders like tuberous sclerosis, developmental brain abnormalities, and neurologic disorders acquired after birth. But note that these medical disorders alone do not cause the disease as most children with these conditions do not have the disorder.

• There is a high risk in some families for the cause of the condition due to environmental factors and exposures that may also interact with genetic factors. Over time, many different theories have been proposed about what causes the disease. Some of these theories are no longer accepted, however.

• Emotional trauma:

Some theories like emotional trauma at an early age are believed to be especially bad parenting and it was blamed but now this theory has been rejected.

• Vaccines:

Although the mercury preservative used in some vaccines is known to be neurotoxic people believed there is some link with vaccines and autism. But the most recent research on this subject does not suggest any specific link between vaccines and the condition. These were some symptoms related to the disorder.

Also read our article about Symptoms of Autism in Babies