Bill Concerning GE Foods Fuels Debate Over Consumers’ Rights
Improved
6118 HealthChanged
3788 LivesSaved
3574 Lives0 lives impacted in the last 24 hrs Learn More
Causes
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder, meaning that problems in brain development cause autism. Scientists are searching for answers about what causes these development problems. Studies suggest:
- Autism seems to run in some families; several genes may be involved.
- Problems during pregnancy or delivery may interfere with normal brain development.
- Something in the environment that a child is exposed to may be a factor.
Risk Factors
These factors increase your chance of developing autism:
- Sex: male (Boys are four times more likely to have autism than girls.)
- Family history: Siblings of a child with autism have a 3%-7% chance of being autistic.
-
A number of other conditions are associated with autism, although the relationship between them is not clear:
- Neurofibromatosis
- Tuberous sclerosis
- Fragile X syndrome
- Phenylketonuria (PKU)
- Möbius syndrome
- Epilepsy
- Herpes encephalitis
- Cytomegalovirus
- Problems during pregnancy or delivery
- Contracting rubella during pregnancy (a risk for the child)
The Conditions Above Primarily Affect the Central Nervous System
© 2009 Nucleus Medical Art, Inc.
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2024 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.