Following is a list of causes or underlying conditions (see also Misdiagnosis of underlying causes of Autism) that could possibly cause Autism includes:
Conditions listing Autism as a symptom may also be potential underlying causes of Autism. Our database lists the following as having Autism as a symptom of that condition:
Causes: Autism:
Autism has no single cause. Researchers have identified a number of
genes that play a role in the disorder. In some children, environmental
factors also may play a role in development of the disorder. Studies of
people with autism have found abnormalities in several regions of the
brain, including the cerebellum, amygdala, hippocampus, septum, and
mamillary bodies. Neurons in these regions appear smaller than normal and
have stunted nerve fibers, which may interfere with nerve signaling. These
abnormalities suggest that autism results from disruption of normal brain
development early in fetal development. Other studies suggest that people
with autism have abnormalities of serotonin or other signaling molecules
in the brain. While these findings are intriguing, they are preliminary
and require further study. The early belief that parental practices are
responsible for autism has now been disproved.
(Source: excerpt from Autism Fact Sheet: NINDS)
Article excerpts about the
causes of Autism:
It is generally accepted that autism is caused by abnormalities in
brain structures or functions. Using a variety of new research tools to
study human and animal brain growth, scientists are discovering more about
normal development and how abnormalities occur.
The brain of a fetus develops throughout pregnancy. Starting out with a few cells, the cells grow and divide until the brain contains billions of specialized cells, called neurons. Research sponsored by NIMH and other components at the National Institutes of Health is playing a key role in showing how cells find their way to a specific area of the brain and take on special functions. Once in place, each neuron sends out long fibers that connect with other neurons. In this way, lines of communication are established between various areas of the brain and between the brain and the rest of the body. As each neuron receives a signal it releases chemicals called neurotransmitters, which pass the signal to the next neuron. By birth, the brain has evolved into a complex organ with several distinct regions and subregions, each with a precise set of functions and responsibilities. (Source: excerpt from Autism: NIMH)
The following medical news items are relevant to causes of Autism:
As with all medical conditions, there may be many causal factors. Further relevant information on causes of Autism may be found in:
16 MEDICAL BOOKS ONLINE! Review excerpts from medical books online, free, without registration, for more information about the causes of Autism.
The causes of autistic disorder remain unclear but are thought to include psychological, physiologic, and sociological factors. Much evidence has accumulated to suggest a biological substrate. The parents of a child who’s autistic may appear distant and unaffectionate. However, because children who are autistic are unresponsive or respond with rigid, screaming resistance to touch and attention, parental remoteness may be merely a frustrated, helpless reaction to this disorder, not its cause.
Some children who are autistic show abnormal but nonspecific EEG findings that suggest brain dysfunction, possibly resulting from trauma, disease, or a structural abnormality. Autistic disorder has also been associated with maternal rubella, untreated phenylketonuria, tuberous sclerosis, anoxia during birth, encephalitis, infantile spasms, and fragile X syndrome. Studies have established a link with abnormalities in neurotransmitters, including (in some cases) increased dopamine and increased serotonin. There appears to be a genetic component as well; between 2% and 4% of siblings of those with autism also had autistic disorders at a rate higher than the general population.
Autistic disorder is rare, affecting 4 to 5 children per 10,000 births. It affects three to four times more boys than girls.
Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005
Autistic disorder is thought to result from a combination of psychological, physiologic, and sociological factors. The parents of an autistic child may appear distant and unaffectionate. However, because autistic children are unresponsive or respond with rigid, screaming resistance to touch and attention, parental remoteness may be merely a frustrated, helpless reaction to this disorder, not its cause.
Some autistic children show abnormal but nonspecific EEG findings that suggest brain dysfunction, possibly resulting from trauma, disease, or a structural abnormality. Autistic disorder also has been associated with maternal rubella, untreated phenylketonuria, tuberous sclerosis, anoxia during birth, encephalitis, infantile spasms, and fragile syndrome X.
Source: Handbook of Diseases, 2003
What do you think about the features of this website? Take our user survey and have your say:
Next articles:
Tools & Services:
Medical Articles:
Search Specialists by State and City
By using this site you agree to our Terms of Use. Information provided on this site is for informational purposes only; it is not intended as a substitute for advice from your own medical team. The information on this site is not to be used for diagnosing or treating any health concerns you may have - please contact your physician or health care professional for all your medical needs. Please see our Terms of Use.
Copyright © 2009 Health Grades Inc. All rights reserved.
A New York Area camp gives kids with special needs and their families a chance to connect with each other.
Understanding the autism spectrum is the first step toward understanding the challenges these kids face.
Although children develop at different rates, it's important to know the warning signs of autism.
Sexual contact can sometimes result in problems. An unwanted pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases may be some of those consequences. But by...