Causes Of Autism

Of the several autistic children and functioning autistic adults this writer has met, neither they nor their parents have ever mentioned that anyone else in the family had the same disorder. However, researchers have discovered what seems to be a fairly strong genetic component overall. It may be that some persons are genetically predisposed to developing autism, but that doesn't mean they will do so.

It seems reasonable, even likely, that outside factors combine with genetic tendencies to provide just the combination of circumstances where autism may develop. These ingredients, as they might be called, include the environment, the immune system, and perhaps even the person's diet. Everyone's individual metabolism assimilates food, vitamins, medicines, and foreign matter a little differently.

Additional medical problems or conditions can contribute to the development of autism in some children. For example, if a child has been exposed to rubella during early development, or has untreated PKU (phenylketonuria), he or she could be more susceptible to autism. It's important to note that in most cases, these young patients do not develop autism.

Other Possible Causes of Autism

Another possible contributing factor could be ingestion of lead paint or exposure to lead paint fumes, causing encephalopathy (a disease that alters the brain structure). Infections such as bacterial meningitis can have equally serious effects on the person afflicted. While mercury is no longer part of most vaccines, the risk from it cannot be entirely discounted.

Currently, emotional trauma is not considered a cause of autism, although severely traumatized children can and do stop talking. Fortunately for everyone, no one blames the Mom any more, for having been "a bad mother." There was always too much of that in physicians' vocabulary, even just a generation ago, when what the mother needed instead was support from those around her.