What causes autism?
The current scientific consensus is that autism is caused by both
genetic mutations and some environmental factors. Genetics likely play
the main role in causing autism. Many different genes have been
identified as being associated with symptoms of autism, but
researchers still cannot zero in on one causal gene. In light of recent
autism research, many researchers who study autism now speculate
that autism is the product of mutations in many different genes that
work together. Since there are many types of autism (it’s a spectrum
disorder), it seems plausible that there are mutations in different genes
that are responsible for each type of autism. When these genes are
identified as mutated in autistic patients, researchers often create mice
that have the same mutation in order to study the gene. Some genes
scientists are currently studying for their association with autism
include: JAKMIP, Nlgn3, Fmr1, 15q11-13, CYFIP1, Shank3, Tsc1, 16q2.2,
and more.
In addition to genetics, some researchers believe autism can be
caused by certain environmental factors. Environmental factors that
researchers are investigating in connection to autism are based on the
health of the mother. Infection, valproic acid (found in some
medicines), and stress level of the mother during pregnancy may have
an effect on whether or not the child will have autism. Numerous
studies have concluded that environmental factors such as pesticides,
GMOs, and vaccines do not cause autism.