Causes of Autism
Though quite a few rare
genetic disorders and toxic exposures are known to cause autism (or autism-like symptoms), most cases are considered idiopathic, meaning they are without a known cause.1 A person's biology, surroundings, and other factors may be at play—likely collectively. One postulated cause that has been
disproven? Vaccinations.
Research on this issue is ongoing, with intriguing findings coming out of top institutions.
Again, most of the time, autism cannot be associated with a specific cause. The few known causes of autism, which are relatively rare, include:
- Depakote (also called Valproatean), an anti-seizure medication, taken during pregnancy
- Fragile X syndrome (a genetic disorder)
- Rubella
- PKU
- Tuberous sclerosis (genetic disorder)
- Prader-Willi syndrome (genetic disorder)
Researchers are further exploring the connection between genetics, the environment, and autism.
Vaccines Do Not Cause Autism
If your child with autism was vaccinated, this did not cause their condition. The medical community has
soundly refuted these theories, though a very passionate group of parents and researchers continue to disagree based on anecdotal evidence.
increased risk of having more than one autistic child.6
Importantly, "genetic" and "hereditary" are not the same thing. Studies have shown many cases of spontaneous genetic mutation associated with autism.7 Spontaneous genetic mutation, as the name implies, just happens—usually for unknown reasons. In other words, a child can be born with genetic differences that are
not inherited, but which may be associated with autism.
Nutrition and Autism
Children with autism are often very sensitive to tastes and textures, and thus have limited diets.8 It may be the case that they are lacking specific nutrients important to learning and social/intellectual growth. While improved nutrition may be a helpful therapy, it seems unlikely that malnutrition can cause autism.
avoiding vaccines not only won't prevent autism, but it places your child (and other children) at risk of diseases.
Parental temperament has also been discussed as a potential cause of autism. Dr. Leo Kanner, the man who first identified autism as a unique condition, had the idea that cold, so-called “refrigerator” mothers caused autism.
He was wrong.
But Dr. Kanner's thought impressed a major figure in psychology, Bruno Bettelheim. Bettelheim's book, "The Empty Fortress: Infantile Autism and the Birth of the Self," created a generation of parents who carried guilt for their child's disability. Fortunately, that burden is no longer.
As you explore the question of "what causes autism," you are likely to come across many individuals who are absolutely certain they know the answer. It's important to know, though, that the subject is highly controversial and one parent's (or researcher's) passionate statements doesn't take the place of solid research.
A Word From Verywell
You'd think that with so much information available, someone could tell you what caused autism in your child. But the odds are you'll never know; all possibilities are still under investigation. This can be, understandably, frustrating. Remember, though, that the reality is that the vast majority of parents did nothing to cause their child's autism.
Though you may not determine the cause of your child's autism, you can do a great deal to ensure that your child reaches their potential and lives the fullest and happiest life possible.