The exact cause of autism has not yet been determined. A significant amount of clinical research has been conducted to determine the cause of autism. Some of the theories that can explain the development of autistic disorder have been mentioned below.
- Genetic Predisposition may be linked to autism
Some scientists believe that autistic disorder has a genetic tendency and it runs in families. Research has found that in many cases of autism there was a family member or a close relative or even a twin who also suffered from the same disorder or had a history of other developmental disorders like Asperger syndrome or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and conduct disorder or learning difficulties such as dyslexia. Researchers have identified a number of genes associated with the autistic disorder.
- Abnormal levels of neurotransmitters may be linked to autistic disorder
Neurotransmitters are the chemical messengers in the brain. They are responsible for the communication among the nerve cells. Some studies have pointed out that that people suffering from autism spectrum disorders have abnormal levels of serotonin, dopamine or other neurotransmitters in the brain. Abnormal levels of these neurotransmitters affect the communication among the nerve cells and may lead to the development of autistic disorder.
- Abnormalities in brain may cause autism
Clinical studies have shown that there are abnormalities in the brain of people affected by this developmental disorder. Some scientists believe that autistic disorder may be caused as a result of these abnormalities. Another theory suggests that these abnormalities could result from the disruption of normal brain development early in fetal life. This may be caused by defects in genes which are responsible for controlling brain growth. Defect in the genes may also hamper the communication between brain cells in early fetal life, thereby causing abnormalities in the brain which may lead to the development of autism spectrum disorder.
Autistic disorder is not caused due to a person’s social upbringing
Many people believe that a faulty upbringing of the child is responsible for causing autistic disorder. Parents are blamed for causing this disorder in their children. However, it has to be understood that autism is a developmental disorder and not a disease. This disorder is not caused by a person’s upbringing or is not related in any way to their social circumstances. The individuals affected by this disorder are not responsible for their condition.