What Causes ASDs?
What causes ASDs?
No one knows exactly what causes ASDs. Today scientists know from twin and other family studies that genetics play a role. Although many chromosomal and gene abnormalities have been identified, none of these are present in all children with ASD. If a family already has a child diagnosed with ASD, the chances that siblings might also have some form of ASD are 2-8% higher than in the general population (CDC, 2008). Environmental factors also play a role. Many studies are underway considering the possibilities of exposure to heavy metals, chemicals, and other environmental toxins in child development. There is a wide range of research and opinion on the etiology of autism. Government research efforts are being led by the Centers for Disease Control and the National Institutes of Mental Health. The recently passed federal Combating Autism Act has provided much needed new funding. Other research is being funded by organizations such as Autism Speaks, which includes the former organizations Cure Autism Now and the National Alliance for Autism Research. There is growing interest among researchers about the role of the functions and regulation of the immune system, both within the body and the brain, in autism. Evidence suggests that people with autism may have inflammation in the central nervous system. There are also organizations that believe strongly that exposure to heavy metals such as mercury and aluminum in sources, including childhood vaccines, have caused an increase in autism rates. The debate continues as research into the etiology of autism, including large-scale, independent studies, is pending.
No one knows exactly what causes ASDs. Today scientists know from twin and other family studies that genetics play a role. Although many chromosomal and gene abnormalities have been identified, none of these are present in all children with ASD. If a family already has a child diagnosed with ASD, the chances that siblings might also have some form of ASD are 2-8% higher than in the general population (CDC, 2008). Environmental factors also play a role. Many studies are underway considering the possibilities of exposure to heavy metals, chemicals, and other environmental toxins in child development. There is a wide range of research and opinion on the etiology of autism. Government research efforts are being led by the Centers for Disease Control and the National Institutes of Mental Health. The recently passed federal Combating Autism Act has provided much needed new funding. Other research is being funded by organizations such as Autism Speaks, which includes the former organizations Cure Autism Now and the National Alliance for Autism Research. There is growing interest among researchers about the role of the functions and regulation of the immune system, both within the body and the brain, in autism. Evidence suggests that people with autism may have inflammation in the central nervous system. There are also organizations that believe strongly that exposure to heavy metals such as mercury and aluminum in sources, including childhood vaccines, have caused an increase in autism rates. The debate continues as research into the etiology of autism, including large-scale, independent studies, is pending.
