Chapter 1: The Enigma of Autism

While we have yet to identify a single, definitive cause of autism, numerous theories have emerged over the years. However, none of these theories have comprehensively accounted for autism, and some have even been disproven. Research has suggested potential genetic or environmental factors, but again, neither fully clarifies the complexities of autism.

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To better understand the origins of autism, we must first determine when it actually develops—a question that continues to puzzle scientists. Some experts argue that autism is present at birth, while others contend that it manifests within the first year of life. Genetic studies have identified mutations in 2 to 4% of individuals with autism, but this finding is insufficient to draw any conclusive judgments, as these mutations are not universally found among autistic individuals. After extensive genetic research, some scientists have shifted their focus toward potential environmental influences.

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This is where the contentious vaccine debate comes into play. If you have any familiarity with autism discussions, you have probably encountered this topic. The debate can become so intense that I often refrain from engaging in the commentary sections on social media when vaccines are mentioned. Those who assert that vaccines cause autism are often deeply entrenched in their beliefs, making it challenging to alter their viewpoints. Personally, I do not subscribe to the idea that vaccines are the cause of autism, although I do think they could potentially lead to side effects in some individuals. Just as with medications, reactions can vary widely—some people experience numerous side effects, while others may experience none at all. Thus, while the rise in autism diagnoses could theoretically correlate with something in vaccines, it seems improbable since autism likely existed prior to the implementation of widespread vaccinations. For those interested, I have another article titled “How Old is Autism” that could provide further insights.

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Other hypotheses suggest that autism may stem from the treatment of infants during their formative years. This notion harkens back to when autism was frequently misdiagnosed as schizophrenia, with "refrigerator mothers" being blamed for the disorder. This theory implied that autism arose from a lack of emotional engagement from mothers, based on outdated views of parenting. However, studies conducted in the 1960s and 1970s debunked this idea, demonstrating that mothers of children with autism exhibited little emotional difference when compared to mothers of neurotypical children.

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Another intriguing theory posits that autism might be a facet of human evolution. It suggests that certain higher-functioning forms of autism represent humanity's adaptation to contemporary societal challenges. For example, throughout history, social interactions have often resulted in negative experiences, leading humans to become more cautious about whom they engage with, which may contribute to the social anxieties prevalent today. While this theory is plausible, it does not adequately address the variations present in lower-functioning forms of autism.

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The challenge of identifying a singular cause for autism lies in the existence of multiple forms of the condition, many of which are likely not yet recognized. The factors contributing to one type of autism may be entirely unrelated to those influencing another type. For instance, I know two children and an adult who share similar symptoms of autism, and they are all born under the sign of Libra. This observation leads me to wonder if the time of year someone is born could also play a role. In essence, we have narrowed down the potential causes to an incredibly wide range.

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Chapter 2: Theories in Focus

The first video, Understanding Autism Part 1: What Causes Autism? delves into the ongoing quest to identify the origins of autism, exploring various hypotheses and their implications.

The second video, 2-Minute Neuroscience: Autism offers a concise overview of autism from a neuroscience perspective, summarizing key findings and theories in just two minutes.