Does anyone know the cause of autism? How to prevent my soon to be born daughter from having autism?

Question

I'm currently pregnant and wonder if there's anything I have to do to prevent autism? Is it true that certain vaccines can cause autism? Thank you

Answer 1

There is no known single cause for autism, but it is generally accepted by the medical community that it is caused by abnormalities in brain structure or function. Brain scans show differences in the shape and structure of the brain in autistic versus non-autistic children. Researchers are investigating a number of theories, including the link between heredity, genetics and medical problems. While no one gene has been identified as causing autism, in many families there appears to be a pattern of autism or related disabilities, further supporting a genetic basis to the disorder. Researchers are searching for irregular segments of genetic code that autistic children may have inherited. It also appears that some children are born with a higher susceptibility to autism, but researchers have not yet identified a single "trigger" that causes autism to develop.

Researchers are also investigating the possibility that, under certain conditions, a cluster of unstable genes may interfere with brain development, resulting in autism. Still other researchers are investigating problems during pregnancy or delivery, as well as environmental factors such as viral infections, metabolic imbalances, and exposure to environmental chemicals.

Autism tends to occur more frequently than expected among individuals who have certain medical conditions, including Fragile X syndrome, tuberous sclerosis, congenital rubella syndrome, and untreated phenylketonuria (PKU). Some harmful substances ingested during pregnancy have also been associated with an increased risk of autism. Early in 2002, The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) prepared a review of hazardous chemical exposures and autism and found no compelling evidence for an association. However, there was very limited research and more needs to be done to rule out chemicals.

The question regarding a relationship between vaccines and autism continues to be debated. In 2001, an investigation by a committee of the Institute of Medicine concluded that the "evidence favors rejection of a causal relationship.... between MMR vaccines and autistic spectrum disorders (ASD)." The committee however, acknowledged that "they could not rule out" the possibility that the MMR vaccine could contribute to ASD in a small number of children. While other researchers agree the data does not support a link between the MMR and autism, they also agree more research is clearly needed.

Whatever the cause, it is clear that children with autism and PDD are born with the disorder or born with the potential to develop it. Bad parenting does not cause it. It is not a mental illness. Children with autism are not unruly kids who choose not to behave. Furthermore, no known psychological factors in the development of a child have been shown to cause autism.

http://www.autism-society.org/site/PageServer?pagename=WhatIsAutism

If you are a normal healthy individual do not worry about any thing and keep yourself cheerful and healthy. Do the physical exersises as adviced by your Doctors regularly and think positively. Wish you all the best.

Answer 2

Autism is a physical condition linked to abnormal biology and chemistry in the brain. The exact causes of these abnormalities remain unknown, but this is a very active area of research. There are probably a combination of factors that lead to autism.

Genetic factors seem to be important. For example, identical twins are much more likely than fraternal twins or siblings to both have autism. Similarly, language abnormalities are more common in relatives of autistic children. Chromosomal abnormalities and other neurological problems are also more common in families with autism.

A number of other possible causes have been suspected, but not proven. They involve digestive tract changes, diet, mercury poisoning, vaccine sensitivity, and the body's inefficient use of vitamins and minerals.
Some parents have heard that the MMR vaccine that children receive may cause autism. This theory was based, in part, on two facts. First, the incidence of autism has increased steadily since around the same time the MMR vaccine was introduced. Second, children with the regressive form of autism (a type of autism that develops after a period of normal development) tend to start to show symptoms around the time the MMR vaccine is given. This is likely a coincidence due to the age of children at the time they receive this vaccine.

Several major studies have found NO connection between the vaccine and autism, however. The American Academy of Pediatrics and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention report that there is no proven link between autism and the MMR vaccine.

Answer 3

It hasn't been proven that vaccines can cause autism, but is a question. Around the time that children receive the mumps and rubella vaccine they will sometimes find out they have autism shortly after. Many people wonder if that could be a cause, but it has yet to be proven. As of now there really aren't any tips to help prevent it. Your doctor can tell you some signs to look for once your daughter is born to find out if she has autism. It sometimes occurs at birth, but sometimes it occurs later in life (but still young), but if you know the signs you can detect it earlier and closer to right when it occurs.

If you want more information feel free to contact me. My mom works with autistic children and other children with problems. I can give you some websites or other information. Just let me know!

Answer 4

Unfortunately there is nothing that you can do to prevent autism. They say the mercury in flu shots causes autism but there is not scientific proof of this. 1 in every 166 children are born with Autism Spectrum Disorder. I have 2 sons with Autism. The early warning signs are. Your baby doesn't smile or interact with you when you are playing with them. They don't make much eye contact. They don't babble or coo. For more warning signs look up the website autismspeaks.com they list all of the warning signs of autism. Good luck I wouldn't wish this to happen to anyone.

Answer 5

The cause of autism is unknown and neither are ways of preventing autism

Answer 6

I strongly believe that vaccines are a big part of it if not all a part of it. I am going to be a grandmother at the end of this year and I did some research, My grandchild is not getting vaccinated. All agree with it. People and nurses will probably put the fear into you about not getting vaccinated, but I strongly believe we do not need it, it does us more harm than good. If not autism, then maybe ADD or ADHD, or other behaviour disorders.

In my research, I found out that the amount of mercury in a vaccination shot can only be harmless to you if you weigh 500 lbs. That doesn't sound to good.

Answer 7

There is a link between autism and vaccines. There is even a special office in Washington to pay claims against the gov't for endorsing the vaccines that caused this reaction in some children. There are also other things in vaccines such as formaldahyde, etc that can be poisonous and harmful to your child. Not to say give NO vaccines... but there are some to avoid, such as MMR and DPT...and you should also do your own research on vaccines and autism and what kind of things to know about the vaccines that you allow to be given to your child. Google it!

Answer 8

They THOUGHT vaccines caused it, but it was because of mercury in them. Mercury is no longer put into vaccines. They are safe. Take your prenatal vitamin, don't smoke or drink alcohol and eat right. You will be fine.