The Root of the Problem
While there are no definite known cause for Autism Spectrum Disorder, there are sever possible factors that might heighten the possibility of a child being born with ASD. As stated by Wendy Chung (2014), "Just as autism is a spectrum there's a spectrum of etiologies." According to Jacintha Cauffield (2013), "ASD has a high degree of heritability that is complex and involves multiple genes. The phenotypic manifestation of these genes is highly variable, complicating the search for a cause" (para. 6). However, like most other diseases, genetics only plays a factor in the equation that causes ASD. "Environmental factors may play a role, including exposure to teratogen" (Cauffield, 2013, para. 6).
Just because it is not a black and white picture of what all causes ASD, scientist have been able to rule out a couple variables that do not factor in to the autism equation. Chung (2014) makes it clear that "Vaccines do not cause autism." In fact, in 1992, a chemical named thimerosal was removed from vaccines because it was believed to have been the cause of ASD. However, once thimerosal was discontinued, there was not a prevalent change in the increasing number of persons found with autism thereafter.
Just because it is not a black and white picture of what all causes ASD, scientist have been able to rule out a couple variables that do not factor in to the autism equation. Chung (2014) makes it clear that "Vaccines do not cause autism." In fact, in 1992, a chemical named thimerosal was removed from vaccines because it was believed to have been the cause of ASD. However, once thimerosal was discontinued, there was not a prevalent change in the increasing number of persons found with autism thereafter.
