What Causes Autism

National Autism Association
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WHAT CAUSES AUTISM?

You will hear many theories about what causes autism. To date, no one has found the exact cause of autism.

In the early 1950's-1970's it was thought that the mothers of children with autism were neglecting and not loving their children which in turn caused them to regress into a world of their own. These mothers were labeled "Refrigerator Mothers." Thanks to Dr. Bernard Rimland, we've come a long way since then.

It's important to do your own research into the various causes that are being investigated. We believe that families should have access to all information including environmental insults, vaccines, genetics, etc.

Please visit our research library for a list of relevant scientific studies.

VACCINES

THIMEROSAL

MMR

AUTISM AND GENETICS:

There are many in the scientific community who believe that there is a strong genetic component or pre-disposition to autism spectrum disorders.

It's important to note that in the past 10 years of looking for the "autism gene," none has been found which leads many researchers to believe that something had to TRIGGER the gene to turn on and cause autism.

According to officials at the National Institutes of Health, while there is most likely a genetic predisposition, there must also be an environmental component to autism. The rapid rise in the rate of autism over the last 15 years cannot be attributed solely to genetics.

Autism is no longer considered a heritable, genetic disorder. It is an environmentally triggered, therefore preventable and treatable disease. Environmental research holds the key to finding the cause and developing effective treatments for those affected.

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