| What is known is that autism is a neurological | | | | are responsible is complex and unclear and no |
| abnormality but what causes this to happen remains | | | | determinations have been made. |
| a mystery. Extensive research has shown in many | | | | Some theories have been rejected. For a time, some |
| cases that a strong genetic component is constant. | | | | believed that emotional trauma or bad parenting was |
| However, most likely other environmental, metabolic | | | | to blame. Many also believe that there was a link to |
| and immunology factors contribute to the | | | | vaccines and autism. However, recent studies on the |
| development of autism. Most researchers and | | | | subject do not suggest such a link. |
| scientists do not suspect that one single gene | | | | The bottom line is that no one truly knows that |
| responsible. Most believe that a number of different | | | | causes this condition to exist. Even the experts who |
| genes that when molded together increase the risk. | | | | feel development is a combination of genetics and |
| Research shows that development of autism in some | | | | environment do not have a definite answer. |
| children was linked to underlying medical conditions. | | | | Awareness continues to become more prevalent and |
| For example, metabolic disorders, congenital | | | | interest and funding is increasing, so better and new |
| infections, neurological disorders developed after birth | | | | information should become available and perhaps the |
| may contribute to development of autism. However, | | | | terribly frustrating uncertainty will dissipate. |
| these conditions alone do not cause autism nor do all | | | | Nothing is simple regarding autism. The only constant |
| children who have these conditions have autism. In | | | | is that the research done thus far indicates that |
| addition environmental factors may interact with | | | | further research is necessary. It also has not stopped |
| genetics and cause an increased risk of autism in | | | | those who believe what they believe. One way or |
| some people. | | | | another, as with many other things, it comes down |
| Heredity comprises about 90% of the belief of what | | | | to blame. In this case, the blame has yet to be |
| causes autism. The genetics of how or what genes | | | | determined. |