Scientists in Australia have developed a genetic test to predict autism spectrum disorder in children. This might sound like the “breakthrough” that some parents are looking for. Personally, I’ve heard so many different things that are said to be the cause of autism that I have grown jaded. Here is a quick round-up of a few of them. Let’s start with the most recent story. Scientists in Australia used United States data from more than 3,000 people who have autism in a recent study. The scientists identified 237 genetic markers and 146 genes and related cellular pathways. The scientists say … Continue reading →

It seems to me that there is a constant stream of news articles regarding studies that have found the cause of autism. I’ve heard so many different ideas about the cause of autism that I am having trouble figuring out which one is correct. This week, there are two more studies that may, or may not, have found the cause of autism. Right now, it seems that the only thing that is known for certain is that immunizations do not cause autism. There have been a plethora of other studies that pin the cause of autism on a wide variety … Continue reading →

A study has found that kids who have a particular shape in the airways in their lungs all have autism, (or an autism spectrum disorder). Some parents may find this to be a relief, because it would mean that they didn’t do something that “caused” their child to have autism. There are some questions about the results of this small study. Is autism a disease, or a disability? This question has been debated for quite some time. There are people who will insist that certain types of vaccines “cause” autism, (which hasn’t been proven). You can find things online that … Continue reading →