Home > School and Learning > Learning Differences > Autism > The Mystery of Autism: 4 Potential Causes that May Surprise You
|

The Mystery of Autism: 4 Potential Causes that May Surprise You

by Lindsay Hutton

In This Article:

Rise in cases

Could you inadvertently be putting your child at risk of developing autism? According to an October 2009 study in the journal Pediatrics, 1 out of every 91 kids between the ages of 3 and 17 is now diagnosed with some form of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Such large numbers have pushed many researchers to delve into what may be causing this disorder to continuously increase year over year.

Although it is important to note that the causes of autism remain largely unknown, new studies are currently being conducted in hopes of finding some answers to this increase in autism cases, and pinpointing possible environmental factors that may be putting children at risk for this disorder.

As a parent, you want to do everything you can to protect your child. So what, exactly, are scientists looking at as possible links? Although genetics and vaccinations are two factors that have been widely debated, more research is being done on these and other possible causes in hopes of solving the mystery of what is causing autism in children.



|

you might also like:

from our community:


what’s hot

  1. Top 10 End-of-the-Year Gifts for Teachers
  2. 10 Gender-Predicting Old Wives' Tales
  3. Top 12 Fundraising Ideas
  4. VIEW ALL

stay connected

Sign up for our free email newsletters and receive the latest advice and information on all things parenting.

Enter your email address to sign up or manage your account.

Facebook icon Twitter icon Follow Us on Pinterest

editor’s picks

highlights

Top 10 End-of-Year Teacher Gifts
School is in the final stretch! Find unique and sweet teacher appreciation gifts to help say thanks and farewell to your favorite educator at the end of the school year.

10 Most Common Pregnancy Cravings Decoded
Sweet, salty, sour, spicy — cravings during pregnancy can run the gamut. Read on to find out what foods pregnant women crave the most and why.

Safest Sunscreens for Kids
Wondering what the best sunscreens are to use on your child? Check out these natural sunscreens for kids. They're chemical-free and will keep your child safe from the sun’s harmful rays.

Are Your Kids Sick of Sandwiches for Lunch?
By this point in the school year, your kids are probably tired of the same old sandwiches. Find some new and different school lunch ideas that will help fuel your child through June.