10.4: Causes of ASD
- Page ID
- 178862
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The cause of ASD is unknown. However, evidence supports that there may be both genetic and environmental causes. It is generally accepted that ASD is a result of abnormalities in brain structure or brain function and that genetic and environmental factors may cause these abnormalities.
For example, there is evidence that the brains of children with ASD are larger than those of their peers without ASD, but as they age, the difference in size is reduced. This is referred to as the “growth dysregulation hypothesis” and may be caused by genetic defects in brain growth factors. In addition, twin studies have indicated that an identical twin of an individual with ASD is also likely to have ASD, and parents who have a child with ASD are also more likely to have another child with ASD. Researchers believe that ASD is a complex disorder that most likely results from multiple gene abnormalities (Autism Speaks, 2022; Smiley et al., 2022).
In addition, there is evidence that environmental factors may influence the development of the disorder in genetically susceptible children during vulnerable periods of development. Environmental factors that have been identified as possible causes include problems during pregnancy and delivery (e.g., oxygen deprivation at birth), viral infections (e.g., rubella, measles, mumps, polyomaviruses, cytomegalovirus, and influenza), and metabolic imbalances (e.g., purine and pyrimidine disorders). However, extensive research has proven that vaccines do not cause autism (Smiley et al., 2022).
Autistic Self-Advocacy Network (2022). About autism. https://autisticadvocacy.org/about-asan/about-autism/
Smiley, L. R., Richards, S.B., & Taylor, R. (2022). Exceptional students: Preparing teachers for the 21st century (4th ed.). McGraw Hill.