The Genetic Cause of Autism

Autism is a neurological disorder marked by abnormal social skills and patterns in interests and behavior.  The word 'autism' comes from the Greek word for "self."  Currently, there's no cure for autism.  Experts also don't know the cause of autism.  However, some scientists agree that there are common genes present in individuals diagnosed with the disorder.

Scientists have debated the cause of autism for some time as research into the disorder gets deeper.  The reason genetics is suspected to be the cause of autism is because identical twins with the same DNA are more likely to share the disorder than fraternal twins.  However, even though scientists think that genes are the general cause, they can't agree on which genes or combinations of genes are to blame.

Is It Inherited?

Some experts say that the cause of autism could be inherited while others suggest that the genes that are the cause of autism simply form in individuals with autism.  Still more experts say that there could be environmental reasons for the disorder. All of these causes are purely hypothetical.  No one can agree on the official cause of autism. 

Other Theories

There are some other theories, too, on the cause of autism but none have been proven responsible. These theories include such things as yeast infections, intolerance to specific foods as well as leaky gut syndrome, in which a person lacks certain digestive bacteria.  With leaky gut syndrome, some speculate, the resulting undigested material enters the bloodstream and, eventually, the brain. 

Here, the material can cause immunodeficiency problems or may even mimic neurotransmitters, thus scrambling normal sensory input.  Other factors seen by some as a cause for autism include brain injury, vaccines, as well as environmental factors.  Some even suggest that a virus can cause the disorder. 

The fact is nobody really knows what the cause of autism is.  Still, it continues to affect many children as well as adults.  The important thing to note, however, is that, even though there is no cure, individuals with autism can still lead productive lives with treatment and practice.  Maybe one day we'll know the cause of autism and possibly have a cure.  Until then, all we can do is learn as much as we can about the disorder so that we can help the people already afflicted so that they may be able to lead somewhat normal lives.