KEEPING ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS IN MIND MAY REDUCE YOUR OR YOUR CHILD'S RISK OF DEVELOPING ASD, BUT SOMETIMES THEY ARE BEYOND YOUR CONTROL. IF YOU HAVE CONCERNS, CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR.
overview
THE CAUSE OF AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER (ASD) REMAINS UNKNOWN. HOWEVER, EXPERTS BELIEVE THEY HAVE IDENTIFIED CERTAIN FACTORS THAT MAY INCREASE THE RISK.
There is some evidence that the critical period for the development of ASD occurs before, during, and after birth. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most scientists agree that genetic societies affect your chances of developing ASD. Environmental factors also seem to play a role.
genetic factors
GENETICS AFFECTS YOUR RISK OF DEVELOPING CERTAIN FORMS OF AUTISM. IF YOUR BROTHER, SISTER, TWIN, OR PARENT HAS ASD, YOU ARE ALSO MORE LIKELY TO DEVELOP AUD.
Some medical conditions are also associated with ASD. These include genetic disorders such as fragile X syndrome and tuberous sclerosis. Children with tuberous sclerosis have reported a much higher ASD rate than children who do not have the disease. CDC.
environmental factors
SOME EXPERTS SUSPECT THAT EXPOSURE TO HEAVY METALS AND OTHER TOXINS IN THE ENVIRONMENT INCREASES THE RISK OF ASD. SOME PRESCRIPTION DRUGS, SUCH AS THALIDOMIDE AND VALPROIC ACID, HAVE ALSO BEEN LINKED TO ASD. IF YOUR BIRTH MOTHER TOOK THESE MEDICATIONS DURING PREGNANCY, IT MAY INCREASE YOUR RISK OF DEVELOPING THE DISEASE.
ACCORDING TO THE AUTISM SOCIETY, RESEARCHERS ARE ALSO EXPLORING POSSIBLE LINKS BETWEEN ASD AND CERTAIN VIRAL INFECTIONS OR METABOLIC IMBALANCES.
Children born to older parents are also more likely to develop ASD, according to the CDC.
what you can do now
KEEPING ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS IN MIND MAY REDUCE YOUR OR YOUR CHILD'S RISK OF DEVELOPING ASD, BUT SOMETIMES THEY ARE BEYOND YOUR CONTROL. IF YOU HAVE CONCERNS, CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR.