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Original poster

Autism is genetic

18 replies

EddyF · 19/09/2026 18:55

The National Autistic Society has officially stated, for the first time, that autism is genetic.

After reviewing 83 research papers, their conclusion is clear: you’re born autistic.

Not vaccines. Not parenting.Not something somebody did wrong.

I am not sure this will change skeptics but it is reassuring.

www.autism.org.uk/blog/autism-is-genetic-and-why-this-information-matters-now

OP posts:
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BetweenTheThoughts · 19/09/2026 22:56

It is reassuring to see the evidence around autism being communicated so clearly. Hopefully, it helps move the conversation away from blame and outdated myths, and towards better understanding, acceptance and support for autistic people and their families.

DearCritic · 19/09/2026 19:33

TigerRag · 19/09/2026 19:22

I suspect there's a lot of genes hence the presentation varies so much between people

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I suspect it’s out of balance gut bacteria, and autism could be diagnosed by stool samples. There’s limited research / evidence to support this…. But there’s not enough research to know anything for certain. There needs to be more research. I’m sure everyone has their suspicions, including the autism society but actually nobody knows.

TigerRag · 19/09/2026 19:22

DearCritic · 19/09/2026 19:14

I wonder if it’s a bot 🤔
The autistic ‘gene’ etc hasn’t been discovered yet. There’s no such thing as a blood test, or any other tangible test to easily diagnose autism. Therefore this can’t be concluded as fact, whatever any society says. It’s not scientifically accurate.

Show quote history

I suspect there's a lot of genes hence the presentation varies so much between people

SupernaturalAddict · 19/09/2026 19:20

JustoutsideSurbiton · 19/09/2026 19:16

Most autism is genetic but it is a heterogeneous condition and it is absolutely clear that autism can also be caused by other means, since autism is just a collection of behaviours. Example, meningitis or encephalitis in babyhood can cause autism, as can extreme prematurity.

I think it's the higher functioning autism without learning disabilities that runs more in families. I do think those with children with learning disabilities and autism may feel that once again, their experiences are being ignored.

This.

Also the NAS does detail that other factors can lead to autism but they conclude that this isn't enough for it to matter although there are other known things that can cause auyism. They also admit that they have done this for political reasons not scientific reasons.

They are giving screenshots and soundbites.

JustoutsideSurbiton · 19/09/2026 19:16

Most autism is genetic but it is a heterogeneous condition and it is absolutely clear that autism can also be caused by other means, since autism is just a collection of behaviours. Example, meningitis or encephalitis in babyhood can cause autism, as can extreme prematurity.

I think it's the higher functioning autism without learning disabilities that runs more in families. I do think those with children with learning disabilities and autism may feel that once again, their experiences are being ignored.

DearCritic · 19/09/2026 19:14

cloudbabies · 19/09/2026 18:58

Didn’t you post this the other day op?

I wonder if it’s a bot 🤔
The autistic ‘gene’ etc hasn’t been discovered yet. There’s no such thing as a blood test, or any other tangible test to easily diagnose autism. Therefore this can’t be concluded as fact, whatever any society says. It’s not scientifically accurate.

Morecoffeewanted · 19/09/2026 19:11

I can't see a link to a peer reviewed paper or a published meta analysis to examine this claim. It just states that it is a review by her team.

For me personally that isn't enough evidence. No problem with autism being genetic (plenty of it in my family) but I would like to be able to see this review and read the opinions of genetic experts (as one would get with published work).

Until then it remains their opinion.

Venice93 · 19/09/2026 19:04

This is not a surprise for those of us in families where the force is strong. It is clear as day. Am slightly perplexed as to the reason for this thread. What are you hoping to get out of it, OP?

Credittocress · 19/09/2026 19:01

ArchieStar · 19/09/2026 19:00

What else do you think causes it?

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This is from the article that the OP shared. The OP has paraphrased to make it sound like the article states that genetics are the only cause, whereas the article itself says this.

Its not what I think, the article specifically gives other causes such as Rubella

TigerRag · 19/09/2026 19:01

Isn't this old news?

StarPyjamas · 19/09/2026 19:01

cloudbabies · 19/09/2026 18:58

Didn’t you post this the other day op?

Someone definitely did.

ExtraOnions · 19/09/2026 19:00

DD has ASD, DH has ASD… I suspect MIL has ASD

This report is no suprise

ArchieStar · 19/09/2026 19:00

Credittocress · 19/09/2026 18:58

“Most autistic people are autistic because of genes they got from their parents. This is why autism often runs in families. Much less commonly, other factors can play a role, but usually in combination with genes from parents.”

What else do you think causes it?

cloudbabies · 19/09/2026 18:59

EddyF · 19/09/2026 18:57

Also, It is just a coincidence that a lot of traits appear in children at the age they get vaccinated.

Well yes because signs usually start showing around age 2. Did for all mine.

cloudbabies · 19/09/2026 18:58

Didn’t you post this the other day op?

Credittocress · 19/09/2026 18:58

“Most autistic people are autistic because of genes they got from their parents. This is why autism often runs in families. Much less commonly, other factors can play a role, but usually in combination with genes from parents.”

Original poster
EddyF · 19/09/2026 18:57

Also, It is just a coincidence that a lot of traits appear in children at the age they get vaccinated.

OP posts: