Autism since 1943….

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition. This means that the brain is affected in areas that determine how it develops and processes information from a very early age. Children and adults with ASD often think, communicate, and interact with the world in their own unique ways. There can be challenges with communication, sensitivities, or certain behaviors. There can also be strengths in memory, focus, or even problem solving.

Scientists agree that there is no single cause of the disorder. Instead, it is developed through many combinations of factors. These factors include genetics, brain development, prenatal health, and the environment. All of these factors can influence how a child’s brain develops and connects.

Myths and Misunderstandings

There are a few recent myths and misunderstandings about the cause of autism that science has disproved.

• Vaccines Do Not Cause Autism: This has been studied in millions of children and there is not a link between the two.
• Parenting Style Is Not a Cause: Autism is not caused by parents and the way they choose to raise their children. It is a neurodevelopmental condition that is present from very early in life, not from anything parenting related.
• Tylenol Is Not a Cause: Recent claims have arisen that the over the counter medication Tylenol or acetaminophen can cause autism when taken during pregnancy. This is a false claim. Autism is caused by a multitude of factors, not by acetaminophen. Created in 1955…12 years after Kanner published his paper describing infantile autism. 

Understanding the possible causes of ASD is important for a number of reasons including:

• Empowerment for Families – When parents know that autism is rooted in biology, rather than parenting style, it can help with guilt or uncertainty.
• Early Action – Recognizing risk factors can help with earlier screening and support, which can help lead to better outcomes in the long term.
• Research and Hope – Scientists are using this knowledge to develop better tools for early diagnosis, create more personalized interventions, and support each child individually.

Genetic Factors

Research shows that genetics play a major role in autism.

1. Family Connections: ASD can often run in families. If one child is autistic, siblings may have a higher change of also having the disorder. However, even with the higher likelihood, many siblings are not also autistic. 
2. Gene Variations: There have been hundreds of genes that scientists have linked to ASD. Some can be inherited from parents, others are new or “de novo’ mutations. These mutations occur during early development. 
3. Many Genes, Not One: Autism is “polygenic” or involves many changes over genes that work together. There is not a single “autism gene”. This can cause many different gene mutations to occur causing the disorder. This can help to explain why it can look different for each individual.

Brain Development and Wiring

Autism is closely linked to how the brain develops and communicates.

1. Brain Growth Differences: Some children with autism can have faster overall brain growth in the first two years of life. With the accelerated growth it can affect how certain brain regions connect with each other.
2. Connectivity Patterns: Brain circuits show connections when going through brain scans. For some on the spectrum there are circuits that are more connected with each other. Others may be less connected. Different patterns occur for each individual and can affect social interaction, sensory processing, and even learning styles.
3. Neuron Communication: Neuron communication is how our brain cells send messages to each other. There can be differences in how the path of the messages occurs which can cause sensitivities or challenges with flexibility and transitions.

Prenatal and Birth Factors

Pregnancy and birth can also factor into autism risk, however they are only a piece of the puzzle.

1. During Pregnancy: The age of the mother when the pregnancy occurs can play a factor as well as the age of the father. The older the pregnancy occurs the higher the risk. There are also some health conditions the mother could experience that can add to the risk including; diabetes, high blood pressure, or strong immune activation. Even some infections or inflammatory responses can play a part.
2. Exposure Risks: There are some exposures that can lead to a diagnosis. High levels of air pollution or certain toxins can contribute in very rare cases. There are also some medications that have some links, like valproic acid that is used to treat seizures.
3. Birth Complications: Premature birth, very low birth weight, or oxygen deprivation during delivery can slightly increase risk.

It is important to remember that the majority of children exposed to these factors do not develop autism, they are just a part of the risk big picture.

Environmental and Lifestyle Factors

The environment a child is surrounded by influences the risk of autism, but it can not cause autism solely on its own.

1. Gene Environment Interaction: There are cases where environmental factors can affect how genes are “turned on” or “off”. This is a process called epigenetics. In these cases the environment may cause certain genes to either activate or deactivate which can cause genetic mutations.
2. Nutrition and Prenatal Care: Research suggests that folic acid and other prenatal vitamins can help reduce autism risk. These nutrients can be found in everyday prenatal vitamins that are recommended in every pregnancy.

Immune and Inflammatory Research

Scientists are exploring how the immune system may play a role in autism.

• Maternal Immune Activation: When a mother’s immune system is strongly activated during pregnancy (for example, due to a serious infection), it may affect brain development in the baby. This may increase the risk.

Parent Choice and Perspective

While research provides strong evidence about the causes of autism, every parent brings their own experiences, beliefs, and cultural background to the conversation. It is up to each family to explore the information, ask questions, and decide what makes the most sense for them. The goal is to empower parents with accurate knowledge so they can make informed choices for their child’s care and support.

Hope For the Future

Every year, research brings new insights into autism’s root causes. Scientists are working to:

• Find biomarkers that could allow earlier and easier diagnosis.
• Develop personalized interventions that match a child’s unique profile.
• Help families understand autism not just as a list of challenges, but as a different way of experiencing the world.

At Ujala Life, we believe that understanding autism’s root causes is not about finding someone to blame, it’s about giving families clarity and hope. Autism is shaped by a combination of genetics, brain development, and life experiences, and every child’s journey is unique.

Our mission is to meet children where they are, celebrate their strengths, and provide the support they need to thrive. With early, compassionate intervention and parent partnership, we can help your child build the skills and confidence they need for a bright future.