What comes to your mind when you think of autism? Tiptoed walking style, flapping hands, avoiding eye contact and sitting in their own imaginary world are few behavioral characteristics of autistic child.

• Autism is reflecting a spectrum of neuro-developmental disorders.
• It is characterized by multiple degrees of:
  • intellectual disabilities
  • difficulties in verbal/non verbal communication/poor social interactive skills
  • lacks in motor coordination.

So, do nature (internal/natural factor) or nurture (external/man-made factor) had causes the genesis of autism

Below are few internal factors that might cause autism.

• Genetics: Recent studies had found that identical twin have noted when one twin has the disorder.
• Immunology: Some molecules found in immune system can give negative impact to the developing fetal brain which finally caused autism.
• Parental age: Fathers of old age might have high chances of getting autism child

What about the external factor?

• Drugs: Certain medicine such as anti-seizure and anti depressive has been linked significantly to give impact to fetal brain and increase autism’s risk.
• Environment: Exposure of chemicals, pesticides, plastics, metal (mercury & lead) and air pollution might impede hormonal system and genetic system of human.
• Eating habit: Mothers are always advised to consume only healthy food during pregnancy. An obese mom has 1.6 times chance of having child with autism.

Anyhow, the exact and specific causes of autism are not yet known. In fact, prevention is always better than cure! Happy parenting!