what do you think causes ASD??

[sleepyhorse]

Just wondered if anyone knows as I can't seem to find any website that pinpoints the causes. Is it unknown?

Wow, your husband's penis really IS big Miss Midlands!

Star! I think 'Miss Midlands' was just blatently advertising some autism care provider. Naughty, naughty!

My mind is boggling trying to work out what Miss Midlands' post said to provoke those two replies! Not that anyone could tell me of course!

She's still on this thread, Al1son. Here But as it wasn't deleted makes you wonder what the others were like!

Definately genetic IMO.

Another vote for genetics. My db I now realise is textbook AS, and developed grand mal epilepsy in adolescence too, which didn't help his social integration My dad died when I was young, but anecdotally seems like he may have had traits, and my dh's dad is an 'eccentric loner'... The more I read, the more I see traits in myself too... (ds1 is being assessed for AS)

If there are environmental triggers that switch the relevant genes on, I don't think anyone knows what they are. I have never given any credence to the MMR link, but now ds2 (10m- seems to have met his social milestones early so far) is approaching MMR age, I'm having some serious wobbles. Sorry to open this old can of worms, but can anyone talk any sense into me? I'm currently considering spending money wr don't have on separate vaccines.

Woofie - don't waste your money on separate vaccines. Big well designed research studies have clearly shown MMR does not cause autism. And Andrew Wakefield has been struck off for ethical & scientific misconduct in his study that claimed there was a link. I can send you a bunch of scientific papers if you really want.

popcorn anyone?

No studies have shown that MMR doesn't cause autism. That would be an impossible statement to make!

Nor was Wakefield 'struck off'.

and neither did he claim their was a link!

Gah, no intention of starting a bunfight! I've read these debates before with detached interest and reached the same conclusion as you parietal. But it looks different now that ds1 probably is AS, albeit seemingly mildly... And yes starlight, it's the impossibility of ruling out any complex causal pathway that is making me waver now.

but that doesn't mean that the MMR causes autism either. I'd recommend that everyone do their own thorough research as it is them that have to live with their decision.

Feels like a hell of a decision right now. guess I'll keep reading. Sorry to drag this old chestnut up again... As you were

I personally believe it is genetic, but wonder about medication, too.

Was anyone on any meds when they were PG? I had to take antibiotics and was also on low dose of anti-ds and I always wonder, as they are involved with serotonin uptake and children with ASD are supposed to have higher levels of serotonin, if there might be a link? I constantly beat myself up about it and wonder if it is my fault that DS has ASD.

FWIW, on the vaccine front, my DS had singles first time round. We delayed second jabs, as it was around time of dx and had the MMR. We didn't notice any change, but DS does not have bowel problems.

Can I add Arnold Chiari Malformation as a cause. It is a malformation of the brain which can cause severe pressure on the brainstem. Damage to the brainstem is a cause of ASD and a large percentage of children I know of with Chiari also have a form of ASD.

I also know of adults with ASD, Leonie - I have contact with about 4,000 chiarians across the world. The link between Chiari and ASD is apparently now proven and my son's neurosurgeon admits there is a link.

Glad your friend doesn't have both.

I think its genetic (and also think Wakefields study was deeply flawed science)

However I also think it can be exacerbated/made worse by meds or other enviromental factors (eg: pesticides, airborne pollutants)

sorry, what is "chiari" please?