Autism is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors — there is no single cause, and it is not caused by vaccines, parenting style, or anything a parent did or didn't do during pregnancy. Genetic factors account for roughly 80% of autism risk, with hundreds of genes implicated. Environmental factors like advanced parental age and certain prenatal exposures appear to modestly increase risk in genetically susceptible individuals.
What Causes Autism in Children? This is one of the first questions parents ask after a diagnosis. What the research shows is that autism does not have a single identified cause. It comes from a mix of genetic factors and, in some cases, prenatal environmental exposures. One thing the research is clear on: vaccines are not a cause. The study that claimed a link was retracted for fraud in 2010. Many large population studies since have found no relationship between vaccines and autism. What This Te
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Find a Provider →Harmony Care Finder Editorial develops general educational guides to help families navigate provider searches, coverage questions, and care planning. Articles are not medical, clinical, or therapeutic advice.
Editorial information. A named clinical reviewer has not been assigned to this article. This guide provides general educational information and is not medical, clinical, insurance, or therapeutic advice.