Causes of autism
Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), represents a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech, and nonverbal communication. The exact cause of ASD is not fully understood, and it is generally believed to be a result of a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
Genetic Factors[edit | edit source]
Genetic factors are considered pivotal in the development of autism. Multiple studies have shown that autism has a strong hereditary component, and several hundred gene variants have been identified that appear to increase the risk of ASD.[1] These gene variants can affect brain development and the way that brain cells communicate.
Environmental Factors[edit | edit source]
Environmental influences, particularly those occurring before and during birth, are also believed to be involved in the development of ASD. These may include maternal infections during pregnancy, complications during birth, and exposure to toxins or drugs.[2] However, more research is needed to further understand these potential influences.
Vaccinations and Autism[edit | edit source]
Despite numerous studies investigating a potential link between vaccinations and autism, there is no scientific evidence to support this theory. Major health organizations, including the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, have repeatedly confirmed that vaccines are safe and do not cause autism.[3]
Conclusion[edit | edit source]
The complexity of ASD, along with its varying phenotypes, suggests that its causes are similarly complex and multifactorial. Research into both genetic and environmental factors continues to deepen our understanding of this disorder, although much is still to be discovered.
See Also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑
- ↑
- ↑ "Vaccines Do Not Cause Autism". Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved 23 September 2021.
| Causes of autism Resources | |
|---|---|
|
 |
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
