Causes of autism?

Question

My son just got diagnosed with autism. How, and why does this happen is my question. I will love him no matter what but I want to know more about the causes of this dissorder

he is three and just got diagnosed but we have been going through this since he was about 1 and a half, but no doctor would even diagnose him or help me to find a way to help him untill now

if i have other children are the at risk for developmental dissabilitys as well?

he trys to hurt any one or thing in his path when he's upset and bangs his head and hits himself, it's very scarey.

Answer 1

I was reading the other day that it's probably about 90% genetic. Yes, that means that your other children are at an increased risk of having it too, but the risk is still fairly low (3%-6%, iirc, which is way more than the 0.6% or so risk that the general population has). If you have two children with autism the odds of the third one having it too go up even further, I don't remember exactly how much though.

They've done a ton of studies that show that vaccines are not the cause. Yes, the Amish don't have autism, BUT they're a genetically separate population as well. The reason for the current "epidemic" is partially improved diagnostics and partially that people with say, mild Asperger's are more likely to marry each other than in the past... consider the computer geeks in silicon valley.

Sorry to say there's no prevention or cure yet, although there are certain things that can be done to alleviate symptoms and teach kids some coping skills. If you're really worried about having a second child with autism (though unlikely), you could always adopt a child... there are lots of children that would like to be adopted but aren't (the odds of being adopted if you're over 2yo are rather slim).

Answer 2

Before you were born probably, I worked with autistic children. At that time, these children were horrific...head bangers, non-verbal, violent, etc. Now, the diagnosis is so much broader that sometimes it is difficult for me to even think a child is autistic when I compare back to early days.
Recent information I have seen is finding a link between autism and older fathers. Now, and the same years ago, this is a very puzzling disorder. Please find books, read stories, search the web for parents who have faced this. There are instances where, with dedication and hard work, the symptoms have become non-existent.

Answer 3

There are many theories, and most are controversial... so no one really knows for sure. The same is true for approaches toward treatment and education. Also be aware that there are several disorders on the "Autism Spectrum" that vary in the ways the person's cognitive and social skills are affected. Although it is natural to want to know how and why, it is better not to dwell on something that can't be changed, and to do what you can to help keep your son safe and healthy and loved. Still, you might want to contact researchers to study your son's history so maybe we can prevent others from getting it in the future.

I'm sure if you do a websearch you will soon see how varied the opinions can be. You'll also find a ton of support sites and chat rooms. Here are some resources:
http://www.autism-society.org/
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/autism/detail_autism.htm
http://www.autism.org/
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/autism.cfm
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/autism.html
http://kidshealth.org/kid/health_problems/brain/autism.html
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/autism/DS00348
http://www.nichcy.org/pubs/factshe/fs1txt.htm
http://www.drdangottlieb.com/whatsnew.htm

I wish you and your son all the best!

Answer 4

like many have stated, the cause has many theories.

there may be a predisposition to it and may trigger under certain circumstances.
my son showed signs of something " going on" from the day of his birth. he was given a diagnosis of aspergers at about 3 and a half years old. he is now nearly 16, and even though its been a long tough road, he is doing very well. he mainly has trouble socially, but his IQ is superior.
our local school system has made leaps and bounds over the past decade.
the main piece of advice i have for you is this : be prepared to advocate strongly for your child. there are programs in place, but you may have to fight to get them. take all the help you can get.
all the best...xox

Answer 5

I recently watched a TV special on just that subject. It seems that doctors and scientists have not pinpointed anything yet. There is suspucion that is could be environmental as many more children are being diagnosed now more than ever in history. Look things up on the net. Find a support group for you and your son. God Bless you both!!!

Answer 6

Nobody knows the causes of autism. The developemental effects of autism are varied, from mental retardation to savantism and normal function.

Answer 7

Autism affects an estimated 10 to 20 of every 10,000 people. It is about 4 times more common in boys as in girls.

What Causes Autism?
The exact cause of autism is not known, but research has pointed to several possible factors, including genetics (heredity), certain types of infections and problems occurring at birth.

Recent studies strongly suggest that some people have a genetic predisposition to autism, meaning that a susceptibility to develop the condition may be passed on from parents to children. Researchers are looking for clues about which genes contribute to this increased vulnerability. In some children, environmental factors may also play a role. Studies of people with autism have found abnormalities in several regions of the brain, which suggest that autism results from a disruption of early brain development while still in utero.

Other theories suggest:

The body's immune system may inappropriately produce antibodies that attack the brains of children causing autism.
Abnormalities in brain structures cause autistic behavior
Children with autism have abnormal timing of the growth of their brains. Early in childhood, the brains of autistic children grow faster and larger than those of normal children. Later, when normal children's brains get bigger and better organized, autistic kids' brains grow more slowly.

Can Childhood Vaccines Cause Autism?
To date there is no convincing evidence that any vaccine can cause autism or any kind of behavioral disorder. A suspected link between measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine and autism has been suggested by some parents of children with autism. Typically, symptoms of autism are first noted by parents as their child begins to have difficulty with delays in speaking after age one. MMR vaccine is first given to children at 12 to 15 months of age. Therefore autism cases with an apparent onset within a few weeks after MMR vaccination may simply be an unrelated chance occurrence.

There are no medications currently approved to treat autism, but medications may be used to treat specific symptoms, such as anxiety (nervousness), hyperactivity and behavior that may result in injury. A recent study found that a drug often used to treat schizophrenia in adults, called Risperdal, might benefit children with autism.

Autism cannot be prevented or cured. However, early diagnosis and intervention is critical and may help to maximize a child with autism's ability to speak, learn and function. It is very important that all children see a pediatrician regularly so that any signs of autism can be detected early. The earlier treatment is started, the more effective it can be.

Answer 8

No one knows the cause of autism but research has discovered that children who are not vaccinated at all such as the Amish children, do not have autism. In our country, if a child is not vaccinated, he/she must be home schooled. And the Amish home school all of their children. I believe autism is caused by childhood vaccinations.

Answer 9

You could have another autistic child, have genetic testing done to rule that our. It's been said it's hereditary, but, now they are wondering about environment. It is raising at an alarming rate.

Answer 10

It's either genetic (obviously a dominant mutation, as some families don't have a history of it on either side) or metabolic (which is again genetic.