What causes Autism?
There is no single known cause of Autism. Some of the factors which have been claimed to be potential causes are:
- Genetic factors: there are strong family links and often other family members also have ASD (or may have been misdiagnosed as schizophrenic). Often other family members have a 'shadow' of autism or other related conditions such as ADD, ADHD, Dyslexia, Anxiety disorders or OCD. Identical twins always both share ASD traits yet this is not true for non-identical twins.
- Exposure to viral diseases and infections: In some cases the symptons of autism present after a viral disease or infection
- Physical trauma: e.g. Birth injury
- Metabolic disorders
- Childhood vaccinations: Often the symptons of Autism have presented after vaccination, whether by chance or as a direct result is hotly debated. ASD kids seem to have higher incidences of reaction to vaccinations. Until recently, vaccinations contained some heavy metals linking the vaccination theory to the heavy metals theory.
- Exposure to heavy metals
- Poor parenting skills: this was one of the more damaging and incorrect theories about the causes of Autism which surfaced in the 1950's and 60's. Poor parenting or lack of love does NOT cause Autism.
Often parents feel a sense of misplaced guilt when their child has been diagnosed with autism. This is a normal part of the grieving process but it is important to remember that nothing you did or were in control of caused your child to have autism.
Sources
Coffs Coast Autism Information Package