What Causes Autism

1. Biological Perspective

Research has shown that autism has a strong biological foundation, primarily influenced by genetics, brain structure, and prenatal factors.

Twin studies indicate that if one identical twin has autism, the other has up to a 90% chance of also being diagnosed with ASD.
Multiple genes have been linked to autism, particularly those involved in brain development and communication between neurons.
Families with one autistic child have a higher likelihood of having another child with autism, reinforcing the genetic link.
Some cases of autism are associated with genetic mutations (such as those in the SHANK3 or CHD8 genes) that affect synaptic connections in the brain.

Studies using neuroimaging techniques (such as MRI and fMRI) have found differences in the brains of autistic individuals:

Amygdala Dysfunction – The amygdala, which processes emotions, is often larger in early childhood in autistic individuals, possibly contributing to social difficulties and heightened anxiety.
Prefrontal Cortex Differences – The prefrontal cortex, responsible for decision-making and social interactions, shows differences in connectivity in autistic individuals. This may explain challenges in social communication.
Cerebellum and Connectivity Issues – The cerebellum, which plays a role in motor coordination and cognitive processing, is often structurally different in autistic individuals, affecting both movement and learning patterns.

Certain prenatal conditions and early-life experiences may increase the likelihood of autism:

Maternal infections during pregnancy (such as rubella or the flu) have been linked to a higher autism risk.
Gestational diabetes and preeclampsia are associated with an increased likelihood of autism in children.
Extreme prenatal stress (such as trauma or exposure to severe environmental stressors) may also play a role in altering fetal brain development.

Several psychological theories explain how autistic individuals process information differently.

"Theory of Mind" refers to the ability to understand that others have thoughts, emotions, and perspectives different from one’s own.
Many autistic individuals struggle with perspective-taking, which can make social interactions and empathy challenging.
For example, a neurotypical child might recognize that their friend is sad based on facial expressions, but an autistic child may have difficulty interpreting these cues.

This theory suggests that autistic individuals focus on details rather than the bigger picture.
While neurotypical individuals naturally integrate small pieces of information into a broader context, autistic individuals may hyper-focus on specific patterns, textures, or numbers.

This can explain why many autistic individuals excel in areas requiring strong attention to detail, such as mathematics, music, and visual arts.

Environmental influences have been explored as possible contributors to autism, but their exact role remains unclear.

One of the biggest misconceptions about autism is that vaccines (such as the measles, mumps, and rubella [MMR] vaccine) cause ASD.
This claim was based on a fraudulent study published in 1998, which has since been completely discredited.
Extensive scientific research involving millions of children has shown no link between vaccines and autism.
The persistence of this myth has led to declines in vaccination rates, putting children at risk for preventable diseases.

Some studies suggest that prenatal exposure to pollutants (such as air pollution, pesticides, or heavy metals like lead and mercury) may increase the risk of autism.
However, findings are inconclusive, and no single environmental factor has been proven to directly cause ASD.
Researchers believe that genetic susceptibility combined with environmental factors may play a role in autism risk.

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