What are the causes of autism spectrum disorder?
The information here is not intended for diagnosis or treatment and should not replace advice from a medical professional.
The common question often asked after the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder is, “ What is the cause of autism spectrum disorder?”!
In fact, there is no single cause that causes autism spectrum disorder, and research indicates that autism spectrum disorder develops from a combination of genetic and environmental influences.
The increased risk of being diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder will likely not be the same as the reasons, as it is possible that some genetic changes associated with autism spectrum disorder will be found in individuals not diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Therefore, not everyone who is exposed to environmental risk factors will be diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.
Genetic factors for autism spectrum disorder:
The prevalence of autism spectrum disorder among families may increase the risk of an individual being diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Also, if a parent carries one or more of these genetic changes, they may be passed on to the individual even if the parent is not diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.
It is possible that these genetic changes appear spontaneously in the egg that fuses to form the embryo, and the majority of these genetic changes do not cause autism spectrum disorder in and of themselves. But it may increase the risk of being diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.
Environmental factors for autism spectrum disorder:
Research suggests that certain environmental influences may increase or decrease the risk of being diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder in people genetically predisposed to autism spectrum disorder.
Indicators of a high risk of being diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder:
1- Advanced age of parents (one parent)
2- Some complications of pregnancy and childbirth, such as severe prematurity (before 26 weeks), low birth weight, Multiple pregnancies (triplets), Pregnancies spaced less than one year apart.
Indicators of a reduced risk of being diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder:
Prenatal vitamins containing folic acid, Before pregnancy and during pregnancy.
How to reduce risks:
Vaccines: Taking (vaccines) does not cause autism spectrum disorder, as the American Academy of Pediatrics has compiled a comprehensive list of this research.
Differences in brain shape and how do these genetic and non-genetic influences lead to autism spectrum disorder?
1- It can affect critical aspects of early brain development.
2- It can affect how neurons in the brain communicate with each other.
3- Others can affect how entire areas of the brain communicate with each other. Research continues to explore these differences with a focus on developing treatments and supports that can improve the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder.
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