What causes Autism?

As we know that there is no one type of autism in the same way there is no one cause of autism. Over the last five years, scientists have identified a number of rare gene changes or mutations which have been associated with autism. A small number of these are sufficient to cause autism by themselves. However, most cases of autism seem to be caused by a combination of autism risk genes and environmental factors influencing the early brain development.

Below mentioned are a few possible causes of autism:

• Genetic factors
• Prenatal or perinatal risks
• Postnatal environmental risks
• Environmental agents
• Other maternal conditions like Prenatal stress during pregnancy, Diabetes in the mother during pregnancy, Thyroid deficiencies, MMR vaccine, high levels of mercury etc.