Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex developmental disorder, and there is no single known cause. However, research suggests that ASD develops from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Some of the possible causes and risk factors for ASD include:
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Genetics: Several different genes appear to be involved in ASD, and changes in certain genes increase the risk that a child will develop ASD. If a parent carries one or more of these gene changes, they may get passed to a child (even if the parent does not have ASD). Other times, these genetic changes arise spontaneously in an early embryo or the sperm and/or egg that combine to create the embryo.
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Environmental factors: Researchers are exploring whether factors such as viral infections, medications, or complications during pregnancy may contribute to the development of ASD. For example, a woman’s exposure to harmful contaminants during pregnancy may trigger a genetic mutation leading to ASD in her child.
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Vaccines: There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that vaccines cause ASD. Many scientifically sound studies have proven that vaccines don’t cause ASD.
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Other risk factors: Other factors that may increase the risk of ASD include having a sibling with ASD, older parents, certain genetic conditions, such as Down, fragile X, and Rett syndromes, and very low birth weight.
Its important to note that ASD is a complex disorder, and the causes and risk factors may vary from person to person.
