Other Causes of Autism

What are other causes of autism? How about: Vaccines cause autism. There is a highly controversial theory which believes that the cause of autism may be early-childhood vaccines. However, even among the most ardent supporters of the “vaccine-related autism” theory, few are completely “anti-vaccine.”. Most readily agree that vaccinations do save thousands of lives every year.

Within the “vaccine causes autism” school of thought there is a disagreement as to what type of vaccine or how vaccines may contribute to or be the cause of autism. Some believe that vaccines containing thimerosal are to blame, while others point to the commonly administered MMR vaccine.

The thimerosal theory points to the mercury-based preservative thimerosal commonly used in vaccines from the late 1980’s to 2003. Because the body would normally cleanse itself of the type of mercury used in less than 60 days, thimerosal was considered completely safe during the 20 years of its use. However, some researchers now believe that the amount used was much higher than the FDA-approved “safe” level, and that some infants’ systems were genetically unable to adequately cleanse the mercury from their bodies.

The other vaccine-related theory is that the MMR (mumps/measles/rubella) vaccine, while thimerosal-free, does contain three different live viruses and is administered to babies at a vulnerable age. Dr. Andrew Wakefield, a British gastroenterologist, has found a possible connection between measles virus in the gut and autism, where children predisposed to immune issues are vulnerable to a variety of environmental toxins. This predisposition then leads to tissue damage and overall weakness which can trigger autoimmune reactions. It’s at this point that either a significant illness or a live virus vaccine is believed to overwhelm the immune system, after which these children are reported to exhibit a steady decline, with autism the final result.

Immune Deficiency Causes Autism

Some researchers believe that autism is a direct result of immune deficiencies, because autistic individuals commonly have other physical problems that are related to immune deficiencies. Despite the development of treatments which boost the immune system and have proven effective in some cases, there is not enough evidence to be able to say definitively that a defective immune system causes autism.

Autism Caused by Food Allergies

There may be some evidence that certain foods may play a role as one of the other causes of autism in certain sensitive infants. Some researchers believe that allergies to gluten, from wheat, and dairy cassein may be the main causes of autism in children genetically susceptible. Again, this is a theory; although there has been some promise seen in eliminating gluten and dairy from the diet in autistic children.

What’s the Truth?

Regardless of the disparity of ideas and lack of definitive conclusions, there may actually be a nugget of truth in each of these theories. Effective treatments blend those nuggets of truth into a cohesive whole, looking at undoing the damage caused by all contributing factors. These treatments, while taking into account the possible other causes of autism, focus on correcting the damage and enabling the autistic child to live a normal and happy life.

For more information about other causes of autism, take a look at the history of autism.