What Really Causes Autism Spectrum Disorder? A Guide to Genetics, Environment, and Brain Development

There's still a lot we don't know about autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but research has given us a clearer picture of what contributes to its development. If you're a parent wondering about your child's diagnosis or an adult trying to understand your own neurodivergence, it's important to know that autism isn't caused by one single factor. Instead, it develops from a combination of genetics, brain development patterns, and environmental influences that interact in complex ways.

The Genetic Foundation of Autism

There's no single "autism gene" that determines whether someone will develop ASD. Instead, scientists estimate that between 200 and 1,000 different genes can impact autism development. This helps explain why autism presents so differently in different people—we're all working with our own unique genetic combinations.

Autism also tends to run in families. For example, if a family has one child with autism, the likelihood of another child also having autism is about one in five.

How Brain Development Differs in Autism

The autistic brain follows specific developmental patterns that shape how someone experiences and interacts with the world. Autistic children experience rapid brain growth from six to 12 months, and some areas become hyper-connected with neurons while other areas are smaller than those in neurotypical people.

This causes people with autism to often process sensory information differently from neurotypical people. They often have hypersensitivity to light, sound, textures, or other stimuli. What feels like background noise to one person can be overwhelming for someone with autism.

Movement and motor development can also look different. Children with autism might reach developmental milestones, such as crawling or walking, at different times than their neurotypical peers. This is one of the early indicators healthcare providers look for during assessments.

Communication development is another area where differences emerge early. Some children are nonverbal or have delayed speech, while others develop language at a different pace. These variations show how autism affects how the brain processes and produces communication.

Environmental Factors That Contribute

While genetics and brain development form the core of autism, environmental factors during pregnancy can influence whether a child develops ASD. These include:

• Maternal health conditions like diabetes

• Maternal infections during pregnancy, including influenza

• Prenatal exposure to pesticides or air pollution

• Substance exposure, including alcohol and tobacco

• Birth complications like prematurity, low birth weight, or oxygen deprivation

• Advanced parental age

It's crucial to understand that these factors don't "cause" autism on their own. They interact with genetic predisposition and brain development in ways we're still learning to understand.

What We Know Doesn't Cause Autism

Let's be absolutely clear: vaccines do not cause autism. Numerous rigorous studies have found no connection between vaccination and autism development. This myth has been thoroughly debunked by the scientific community, yet it persists and causes real harm by discouraging parents from protecting their children against preventable diseases.

You also cannot develop autism later in life. Autism develops in utero as the brain forms. Adults who receive autism diagnoses in adulthood have been autistic their entire lives—they just finally have the language and understanding to name their experiences.

Moving Forward

Autism results from a constellation of genetic, neurological, and environmental factors working together during early development. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with autism, understanding these causes can help you make sense of your experiences and advocate for appropriate support.

Therapy can be incredibly helpful for autistic individuals and their families. At Heads Held High Counseling, we offer neurodivergence-affirming therapy that honors how your brain works rather than trying to "fix" it. Whether you're processing a recent diagnosis or seeking support for long-standing challenges, we're here to help you navigate the world in a way that works for you. Schedule a free 15-minute consultation today to learn more about our approach.

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