Causes of autism
Causes of Autism
Autism (pronounced /ˈɔːtɪzəm/) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that affects social interaction, communication, interests, and behavior. The exact cause of autism is currently unknown, but it's believed to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
Genetic Factors
Genetic factors are believed to be the most significant cause of autism. It's estimated that between 80-90% of the risk of developing autism is genetic. This is based on studies of twins, which show that if one twin has autism, the other is likely to have it as well. Some specific genes have been associated with autism, but no single gene has been identified as the cause.
Environmental Factors
Environmental factors are also believed to play a role in the development of autism. These can include exposure to certain chemicals or infections during pregnancy, complications during birth, and certain dietary factors. However, the evidence for these factors is less clear than for genetic factors.
Related Terms
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): A broad term that includes autism and other related conditions.
- Asperger Syndrome: A condition on the autism spectrum, characterized by difficulties in social interaction and nonverbal communication.
- Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS): A condition on the autism spectrum, used to refer to those who do not fully meet the criteria for other specific diagnoses.
Etymology
The term "autism" comes from the Greek word "autos," meaning "self." It was first used in this context by Swiss psychiatrist Eugen Bleuler in 1910 to describe a symptom of schizophrenia. It wasn't until 1943 that American psychiatrist Leo Kanner used the term to describe a specific condition.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Causes of autism
- Wikipedia's article - Causes of autism
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