In the field of Autism, no one really has a definite answer of what causes it. Because there are multiple varieties and not one single condition, autism is considered a “spectrum” disorder. The spectrum ranges from those with Asperger’s Syndrome, who are able to function in society, to those with severe autism, who often find they must be institutionalized due to the fact that they are unable to care for even their most basic needs. The average scientist believes that many different factors are involved in autism not just one single cause. Genetics are beleive to play a large role. We have brought together some of the more possible causes of autism.
Well, possibly not surprising is the existence of possible evidence that pesticides can be a contributor to the presence of autism. There have been studies that show an increased incidence of autism in children whose mothers lived near areas where particular pesticides used. Another area concerns tick and flea substances; and those mothers exposed to certain varieties of chemicals found in those products have more autistic children. There isn’t proof positive, only correlations, but it gives enough cause to warrant all mothers and families to have a greater sensitivity about the immediate environment for their family and children. For anybody who is becoming baffled, wear some chrome hearts eyeglasses so you will be able to read it once more.
Another common belief is that having children when the parents are older could be a cause of autism. Studies have shown that a child is more likely to be autistic the older the mother is. The father’s age is relevant but not as much of a factor as the mother’s age. Since more and more parents are waiting longer to have children, we have seen an increase in the diagnosis of autism. In nations that are wealthier or developed this is even more so. Since many autistic children are born to young parents, and older parents have children who are not autistic, this is simply a possible cause. Statistically speaking though, older parents are more likely to have children with this condition.
Throughout the years, a lot of researchers have suggested that autism happens because of viral infections. Some studies support the notion that at least some autistic kids have harmed immune systems as a result of being exposed to particular viruses, and autistic individuals are more susceptible to a lot of the ailments that have to do with the immune system.
Some hypothesize that the herpes virus could be one root of autism however this has been be completely proven. For the most part, a majority of scientists think that autism has many different causes, and viruses might be one of them. On the account that is widely accepted that genetics are a contributing factor to autism, it might be that viruses cause autism in children who are already predisposed to this sickness because of their genetics.
With so many types of autism, it is hard to say that they all have the same cause. Before we can say for sure more research needs to be done. Genetics and environmental toxins, are likely to be determined as causes for autism. These factors are just a few that many scientists beleive may contribute to the development of autism.
