Do We Know What Causes Autism?

Like most medical conditions, there are many factors that contribute to Autism Spectrum Disorder. If your child has been diagnosed with autism, or if you are observing signs and symptoms of autism, know that no one factor can be pinpointed to be the source of your child’s autism. Still it is beneficial to understand the complexities of this disorder and its various potential causes.

Known factors that contribute to autism include genetics and environmental (or non-genetic) factors. Some are supported by decades of research, and others require more research to be conducted. That said, at this time, researchers estimate that about 80% of autism risk is related to genetics, about 20% is connected to environmental factors, and maternal choices or health of the mother accounts for less than 1% of risk.

Genetics

Scientists do not know the exact genes that contribute to autism, however, we do know for certain that there is a major genetic component in play. Parents who have socialization or communication challenges are far more likely to have a child or children with autism. Having one child with autism greatly increases one’s chances of having another child affected by ASD. Genetics play a huge role in autism. Nevertheless, 80% is not 100%, so some individuals with the genes for autism go on to develop autism and some don’t. There are clearly other factors in play outside of genetics.

Known Environmental Risks

According to experts, there four environmental factors are top contributors to autism risk:

●    Maternal age - Young mothers are more likely to give birth to a child with autism.

●    Infection during pregnancy - An infection that leads to hospitalization is known to lead to an increased risk of having a child with autism. Even minor infections may play a role.

●    Preterm birth, before 26 weeks - Extremely premature babies are more likely to have autism than those born closer to full-term.

●    Pregnancies too close together - Experts can’t explain this one precisely, but the data suggests that children born less than 18 months after a sibling are more likely to have autism. 

Suspected Environmental Risks

It is certainly possible that other environmental factors contribute to autism risk. Researchers would like to look more closely into factors such as lead, flame retardants, automotive exhaust, insecticides, and hydrocarbons. It is good for pregnant women and young children to have an abundance of caution around these sorts of materials. The jury is still out on whether or not they truly cause autism. One environmental risk suspected by many—but already ruled out by researchers—is vaccines. Years of scientific research support the conclusion that vaccines are safe and are not a risk factor for autism. 

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