Image source: https://pixabay.com/photos/happy-boy-autism-kid-childhood-3404807/ Autism, which is also known as autism spectrum disorder, is an umbrella term for a wide range of conditions that affect behavior and communication. Recent studies indicate that the rate of autism is rising globally. However, the causes of autism are still not well understood. So, let’s explore five facts, myths, and theories about the causes of autism. 1. FACT: Genetic Factors Can Play a Role in the Development of Autism FACT: Genetic Factors Can Play a Role in the Development of Autism
Studies have found that many people with autism have rare gene mutations or small common genetic variations, which implies genetic factors can play a role in causing autism. Changes in certain genes have the ability to increase the risk that a child will develop autism. So, if a parent is carrying one of those gene mutations, it could get passed on to the child. That can happen even when the parent does not have autism. They only need to possess the mutant gene. That is not always the case, though. Sometimes, genetic changes can cause autism spontaneously in an early embryo. It is important to point out that most of these gene changes do not actually cause autism by themselves. But they do increase the risk of someone becoming autistic. Much more research is needed to find out more about how genetics can cause autism, but we do know that, in some cases, genetic changes can cause autism. 2. FACT: Environmental Factors Can Play a Role in the Development of Autism FACT: Environmental Factors Can Play a Role in the Development of Autism
Genetic factors are not the only potential cause of autism. Environmental factors can play a role too. For instance, studies show evidence that parents who are of advanced age when they give birth could increase the risk of their child developing autism. Maternal obesity, immune system disorder, or diabetes in pregnant women can also contribute to the development of autism, as can extreme prematurity, a very low birth rate, birth difficulties that lead to the deprivation of oxygen to the baby’s brain, and prenatal exposure to air pollution or some pesticides. However, it is worth noting that those factors alone are not likely to cause autism, but they do seem to increase a child’s risk of developing autism. 3. THEORY: Taking Tylenol During Pregnancy Can Cause Autism THEORY: Taking Tylenol During Pregnancy Can Cause Autism
One more environmental factor that is most definitely worth mentioning is the recent discovery that taking Tylenol during pregnancy has been linked to the development of autism – and ADHD. As we have noted, exposure to harmful contaminants during pregnancy can potentially trigger a genetic mutation that leads to autism in a child. While it is not yet proven that Tylenol can increase the risk of autism, many scientists are confident that in-utero acetaminophen exposure negatively impacts fetal development; leading to autism or ADHD. In fact, hundreds of lawsuits have been filed against the manufacturers and retailers of Tylenol due to the recent discovery. If you believe Tylenol may have contributed to the development of autism or ADHD in your child, then find out more about how to file a lawsuit from the team of Tylenol autism lawsuit lawyers at Lawsuit Legal News. 4. MYTH: Bad Parenting Can Cause Autism MYTH: Bad Parenting Can Cause Autism
This myth still seems to be spread, even though it has no grounds whatsoever. Research has proved that bad parenting does not, and cannot, cause autism. 5. MYTH: Vaccines Can Cause Autism MYTH: Vaccines Can Cause Autism
There has been much speculation that vaccines, such as those that contain the mercury-based compound thimerosal, can cause autism. But again, these are unfounded claims. No link has ever been found between autism and vaccines. Scientists conducted extensive research for two decades to ascertain whether there was any link between autism and childhood vaccinations. The results were clear: vaccines do not cause autism.
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