Autism and Its Causes
Further information: Causes of autismAutism is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder. Many causes have been proposed, but its theory of causation is still incomplete. Autism is largely inherited, although the genetics of autism are complex and it is generally unclear which genes are responsible. Little evidence exists to support associations with specific environmental exposures.
In rare cases, autism is strongly associated with agents that cause birth defects. Other proposed causes, such as childhood vaccines, are controversial and the vaccine hypotheses lack convincing scientific evidence. Andrew Wakefield, the doctor whose study linked Autism with childhood vaccines, has since had his licence revoked in the United Kingdom for medical fraud.
Read more about this topic: Epidemiology Of Autism
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