Causes of Autism

The actual causes of autism are up for dispute among the various specialists. There are many theories, speculations and even accusations, but none of the experts have been able to pinpoint the exact origin of autism. Despite all the research, studies, statistics and findings, the experts still disagree, and parents of autistic children are still trying to find answers for why and what now.

Whether it’s genetic, environmental, hormonal, psychological, emotional or physical, autism and its many variations affect one out of every 166 people. There is one fact that the experts do agree on, and that is what does not cause autism. Autism is not a result of poor parenting skills.

What are some of the more common theories?

Gene Theory

Because those suffering from autism are often members of the same family, many researchers believe there may be a genetic link. Other experts believe that more than one gene may be responsible. In fact, they believe that multiple genes or certain genetic combinations may be what cause autism.

Genetic studies of autism in twins have concluded that if one identical twin has been diagnosed as autistic, the other twin will also have some form of autism. This is likely due to sharing an identical DNA. This theory may have some merit, as a diagnosis of autism in one of a set of fraternal twins, does not necessarily indicate that the other twin will also be autistic.

In October 2006, Reuters reported that “U.S. researchers” had found “a genetic mutation that raises the risk of autism and could also explain some of the other symptoms” observed in those diagnosed with autism. The study at Vanderbilt University in Nashville found a single genetic mutation which influences the development, regulation or repair of specific systems in the human body; systems which are often affected in those with autism.

Atypical Brain Development Theory

Recently published studies are pointing out possible links between brain structure and function to the development of autism. Some of these findings are:

• The autistic brain may function totally differently
• Autistic brains are measurably larger in post-natal development
• The amygdale portion of the brain may be larger
• There’s a difference in how different areas of the autistic brain functions
• There may be a link between autism and testosterone
• Brain “minicolumns” develop differently and there are more of them

According to Dr. Nancy Minshew of the University of Pittsburgh, the common thread linking all of these findings is that there is a disorder in the cortex; the part of the brain responsible for higher brain functions such as thought, reasoning and sensation. It is believed that when the brain is developing that an error in the timing of the development of the brain around 12 months of age results in the autistic brain being “differently wired”.

According to some, being “differently wired” has both positive and negative sides. The downside according to Dr. Minshew is that autistics are “socially/emotionally far more delayed…even if they have a high IQ…” The upside is that they “have a really stellar ability to use the visual parts of the…brain to compensate for problems with language processing…”

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