ASD Etiology | Erica Grindinger

Possible Causes of ASD

Causes

The exact cause of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is unknown. It is speculated that there are several risk factors that may increase the likelihood of a child developing autism.

Epidemic? NO!!!

There is an increased prevalence observed over the past several decades that is explained by:

Increased awareness
Improved assessment instruments and practices
Broadening of the diagnostic criteria for autism
Addition of autism to IDEA in 1990

Environmental

Studies are being conducted to determine if there are environmental factors involved with the likelihood of autism. These include things such as materal age, certain pollutions and pesticides exposure during pregnancy, low birth weight, medication, and complications during birth.

There are currently no known or proven environmental factors leading to a diagnosis
of autism.

Genetics

Several genes appear to be involved in individuals diagnosed with ASD but there is no one specific gene responsible.

Most of the genes seem to be involved with brain development.

* New studies are showing that autism seems to run in families and can be hereditary. Learn more

Disproven Theories

Do vaccines cause autism? -It was proposed in 1998 that there was a connection between autism and childhood vaccines. According to multiple scientific and research studies there has been no links found between any vaccine ingredients and ASD. That theory was later debunked and redacted in 2010. Learn more
Can autism be cured? - This became a wild phenomenon partly due to celebrity, Jenny McCarthy. However, no cure exists for autism spectrum disorder, and there is no one-size-fits-all treatment. According to the Mayo Clinic, the goal of treatment is to maximize an individual's ability to function by reducing autism spectrum disorder symptoms and supporting development and learning. Learn more