Causes of Autism : Dr Nadeem Ghayas

January 20, 2025

Autism or in short Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a disorder that involves the way an individual thinks, communicates, and associates with other people. It is also referred to as a spectrum disorder since individuals with autism may experience varying degrees of weaknesses and strengths. Others might not talk, read non-social messages, or cope with the change in routine, whereas others might be gifted in subjects such as math, music, or art. Autism also has an impact on the processing of sights, sounds, and other sensory stimuli by the person, such that certain experiences tend to be overwhelming or uncomfortable.

Causes As far as causes are, it is not yet well understood what the exact causes of autism are, but there have been research findings which indicate that autism causes are as a result of a combination of both environmental and genetic factors. Researchers are of the opinion that, some gene alterations can enhance the chances of autism especially when coupled with other factors like exposure to toxins, infections in pregnancy or complications during birth. Nonetheless, vaccines and parenting styles are not the cause of autism because this is a myth. Autism can be treated and supported at an early age to enable the person to acquire relevant life skills and live a normal life.

References:

Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/facts.html.

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/autism-spectrum-disorders-asd.
Autism Speaks: https://www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism.