Contents:
- Medical Video: Understanding Autism Part 1: What Causes Autism?
- Genetic or genetic factors
- Environmental factor
- Certain diseases or health conditions
- Can immunization be the cause of autism?
Medical Video: Understanding Autism Part 1: What Causes Autism?
As one of the conditions of autism spectrum disorder (GSA), autism can affect anyone. Nobody knows what is the exact cause of autism, but several possible causes and risk factors have been determined by experts. See the following article for information about the causes of further autism.
Genetic or genetic factors
Autism tends to occur in families and may be something inherited from parents to children. For example, if one parent has autism, his child will tend to experience autism too. If a child is diagnosed with autism, his sister also has a greater chance of developing autism. In addition, it is natural for twins to share autism.
Experts believe that genes inherited from parents are one of the main factors that make a person more at risk of developing this disorder. However, there are several genes in the body that are believed to cause autism. Therefore, scientists are still working hard to find out exactly what genes are responsible for the development of autism.
In some cases, autism can be related to genetic disorders such as fragile X syndrome or tuberous sclerosis. In some other cases, just a slight change in some types of genes can make the person more vulnerable to autism.
Environmental factor
Environmental factors have been known to contribute to the development of autism. Problems that occur or drugs taken during pregnancy can be one of the triggers. For example, viral infections, exposure to air pollutants, or prescription drugs thalidomide and valproic acid. These substances or organisms can increase the risk of autism in children.
Certain diseases or health conditions
According to expert observations, certain health conditions can also be related to autism spectrum disorders. These conditions include:
- Down syndrome: a genetic disorder that causes delayed development, learning disabilities and abnormal physical features such as reduced muscle shape, pug nose, small mouth, or short hands.
- Muscle dystrophy: a group of genetic conditions that cause progressive muscle weakness and loss of muscle mass. In muscular dystrophy, abnormal genes interfere with protein production causing problems in healthy muscles.
- Cerebral palsy: a chronic disorder of the brain and nervous system, causing problems with movement and coordination.
- Infantile spasms: a type of epilepsy (a condition of the brain that causes recurrent seizures).
- Metabolic problems.
- Immune system problems.
Can immunization be the cause of autism?
There is no connection between vaccine administration (immunization) and autism, especially MMR immunization (used to prevent goiter, measles and rubella). Immunization is a very important and effective way to protect children. Although it can have mild side effects, immunization provides more benefits than losses. Avoiding immunization can make a child at risk of getting a serious infection.
Although until now experts cannot determine one cause of autism in each person, both genetic factors and environmental factors can both play a role in the development of autism. So, the cause of autism in someone can be more than one.
Therefore, if you suspect you or your child has autism, see a doctor immediately. Doctors can review this information further to determine the cause and find out the right treatment.
Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
