What Are The Causes Of Autism?

The causes of autism are generally unknown.

Historically, autism was believed to be due to poor parenting and emotionally distant mothering through the mid-1900s.

Dr. Bernard Rimland challenged this belief in his book, “Infantile Autism: The Syndrome and Its Implication for a Neural Theory of Behavior.”

At this time, it appears that some type of insult occurs to a susceptible brain before birth, during birth, or within the first few years. This insult affects neurological structure and then function of the developing brain resulting in autism. Myelination abnormalities in particular appear to be involved. Neurons are not wrapped in myelin insulation properly and can not conduct signals adequately.

The severity of autism symptoms depends on the degree of susceptibility and the magnitude of the insult.

Autopsies, electroencephalograms (EEG) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may show changes in many affected individuals. However, these changes are highly variable and not specific between individuals. Thus, no definite finding can explain autism universally.

Complications in pregnancy, labor, and delivery may cause a variety of brain impairments that can not only lead to autism, but also to a multitude of other neurological disorders.

Genetics may influence predisposition of an individual toward autism. No gene or cluster of genes has yet been identified for autism in general. However, a defect in the MDCP2 gene on the X chromosome has been found to cause one type of autism called Rett’s Disorder.

Environmental factors, such as toxins, infection, and immunizations, may also influence the development of autism.

Our modern world consists of a multitude of toxins. Exposure to these chemicals in any critical period of development can cause brain malformations.

Various infections, such as cytomegalovirus, rubella, and herpes simplex virus, have been known to cause brain damage. Congenital Lyme disease is also known to induce autism. Other specific infectious agent may also be a source of autism.

The debate continues about the possibility that immunizations, mercury, thimerosal, or other additives to vaccinations like aluminum, foreign proteins and organisms are causes of autism. Mercury is an extremely dangerous heavy metal with known toxicity.

Metabolic disorders may also lead to brain damage and then possibly to autism. For example, higher amounts than expected of opioid-like molecules have been found in the urine of autistic children. Also, low amounts of free sulfate have been found in the plasma of individuals with autism. These molecules may be responsible for many of the symptoms of autism.

Detoxification pathways may be impaired which results in the accumulation of toxins or metabolic by-products which in turn cause various symptoms. In particular, low levels of glutathione may cause slow detoxification in the liver in autistic children.

Leaky gut syndrome appears to be an important factor in the etiology of autism. Toxins and viruses from the gastrointestinal tract can leak through the intestinal wall and migrate to the brain causing autoimmune reactions. These toxins may include waste products from yeast overgrowth. Many individuals with autism have considerable digestive problems.

Personally, I believe that the underlying cause of many diseases also involves your relationship with your microorganisms and the condition of your terrain.

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