What Causes Autism? A Look at Potential Links

It is natural for people to wonder about the cause of a developmental condition such as autism. Whether a parent wonders why their child may have been diagnosed with autism or an individual is curious about their own autism diagnosis, it makes sense that people want to learn more about the condition that affects their lives so significantly. In this guide, learn about the potential causes of autism, from genetic to environmental factors.   

Nature vs Nurture

One of the biggest debates in psychology is nature vs nurture. Is it genetics that causes a person to become who they are, or the environment they grow up in? 

The truth is that both nature and nurture play a role in autism, with genetic factors particularly playing a huge role. It’s important to note, however, that there is no single cause of autism. 

Genetic Factors

Genetic factors have a big link with the development of autism. 

Often, autism is inherited. That means that someone with a mother or father with autism could also develop the condition themselves. They are essentially at a higher risk. 

Some people with autism do not have parents with autism, though. This may be due to the genetic factor of spontaneous genetic mutation. 

Environmental Impact

Besides genetic factors, there are some environmental factors that may contribute to the development of autism in people. It’s worth noting that the majority of these environmental factors happen in the early years, often before the parent has even given birth to the child. 

Some environmental factors that might increase a person’s chances of developing autism include certain infections in utero during pregnancy, pre-term birth, and parental age.

What About Trauma?

So, what about environmental factors during childhood, such as trauma?

It is important to understand that trauma does not directly cause autism. Trauma refers to an intensely upsetting and overwhelming event that leads to negative consequences in the individual, such as worsened mental health and impaired cognitive development. 

Both trauma and autism have overlapping symptoms, which is why it is important to understand the difference between trauma and autism and how they manifest so that the patient can receive an accurate diagnosis (and, in turn, receive the treatment they need to live better). 

Can an Adult Develop Autism?

No. It is not possible to develop autism in adulthood. If autism is present, it will have been there since childhood. 

However, it is very possible for an individual to have gone through childhood and made it to adulthood without receiving an autism diagnosis. In recent years, more and more adults are receiving an autism diagnosis due to increased awareness about the neurodevelopmental condition. At the same time, diagnosing an adult comes with its own complex difficulties, particularly due to a person’s increased and practiced ability to mask.

Naturally, it is better to diagnose a patient with autism sooner rather than later so that they receive the treatment they need. There are many excellent resources for this, including assessments like the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS®-2), the Childhood Autism Rating Scale, Second Edition (CARS®2), and the Monteiro Interview Guidelines for Diagnosing the Autism Spectrum, Second Edition (MIGDAS™-2).