While no one factor has been shown to cause Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), a number of genetic and environmental influences have been found to increase the risk.
Genetic
- 85-90% of identical twins of a child with ASD share this diagnosis
- Siblings of a child with ASD are 25x more likely to have ASD themselves
- While specific genes linked to ASD have been found, these genes are generally connected to other mental and medical conditions as well
Environmental
- Higher paternal and maternal age at time of birth is correlated with increased ASD diagnosis
- This risk increases significantly after the age of 35
- Prenatal exposure to toxic chemicals additionally increases this risk
What Does Not Cause Autism
Clearly a significant amount of research is still needed to understand the cause of ASD, but it is clear that this disorder is not caused by vaccinations. This movement originates from a 1998 study by Andrew Wakefield linking ASD to an MMR vaccine. Following this publication, a number of significant problems emerged:
- Patient information for the participants was altered to support Wakefield’s argument
- Five of the twelve children in the study showed signs of ASD prior to receiving the MMR vaccine, information which was concealed in the study
- Wakefield received $674,000 from lawyers who were building a case against vaccine manufacturers
- Wakefield was also involved in developing his own “safe” vaccines
The British General Medical Council determined Wakefield committed 30 ethics violations, resulting in his medical license being revoked. The journal that originally published his study retracted his study as well, but unfortunately the damage had already been done. Despite numerous studies disproving the link between ASD and MMR vaccines, the false information spread. ASD diagnosis often occurs around the same age when children receive vaccinations, perpetuating this misinformation. Understanding the facts is key to keeping your children healthy.
References:
Daily, C.M. (2016). The key to autism: An evidence-based workbook for assessing and treating children & adolescents. Eau Claire, WI: PESI Publishing & Media.
Public Health: Seattle & King County. (2011). MMR, Autism, and Wakefield-Responding to vaccine-hesitant parents. Communicable Disease Epidemiology and Immunization Section.