8 Evidence-Based Causes in Autism You Need to Know
Every parent wants the best for their child. But sometimes, you notice things that feel different, delays in talking, less eye contact, or repetitive behaviors. While these can be part of typical development, they may also signal something deeper: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Autism isn’t caused by vaccines, bad parenting, or screen time. According to research from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), the exact causes are still being studied; however, experts agree that it’s a complex interplay of genetics and brain development, sometimes influenced by environmental factors.
In Pakistan, where awareness is steadily growing, awareness centers for autism are helping parents understand what autism is and what early signs they should watch for.
The Causes of Autism: What We Know So Far
Let’s be clear: there is no single known cause of autism. However, years of research have provided us with strong clues. Genetics plays a significant role. Autism often runs in families, and scientists have identified certain gene mutations linked to the condition.
Environmental factors can also increase the likelihood of autism. Advanced parental age, pregnancy complications, and premature birth have all been associated with higher autism risk. These do not cause autism on their own but may act alongside genetic factors.
Brain structure differences have also been found in many children with ASD. These affect how the brain processes information, emotions, and social cues. Understanding this helps professionals create more targeted therapies.
Sources such as the Autism Research Institute continue to explore how these causes interact. But for parents, recognizing the early signs remains the most important first step.
8 Common Causes of Autism You Should Know
Every parent hopes to see their child grow up happy and thriving. But what happens when something doesn’t feel quite right—when your child isn’t talking much, doesn’t respond to their name, or seems different in how they engage or play?
Parents often wonder, ‘Did I do something wrong?‘ Is it the screens? The food? The environment?
Let’s set the record straight.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is not caused by poor parenting or screen time. It’s a neurodevelopmental condition, meaning a child’s brain develops differently. While there’s no single cause, research highlights a combination of genetic, prenatal, and environmental factors.
Below are 8 of the most researched and evidence-backed causes of autism that every parent in Pakistan should know.
1. Genetics and Family History
One of the strongest known contributors to autism is genetics. Studies show that up to 80% of autism risk may be inherited, with certain gene mutations impacting how the brain develops before and after birth. If a parent or sibling has autism, the likelihood increases significantly. Researchers have mapped several genes involved in brain connectivity and neuron development that are commonly altered in individuals with ASD. According to a 2019 study in Nature Genetics, common inherited genetic variants play a much larger role in autism than previously believed.
2. Advanced Parental Age
Parents having children later in life, especially fathers over the age of 45, may have a higher likelihood of having a child diagnosed with autism. This increased risk is believed to stem from genetic mutations in reproductive cells that become more frequent with age. These mutations may disrupt the developing brain during the early stages of life. A large-scale study published in JAMA Psychiatry found a consistent correlation between advanced parental age and increased autism risk across multiple countries.
3. Complications During Pregnancy or Birth
Medical complications during pregnancy or delivery, such as low oxygen at birth (hypoxia), maternal bleeding, or preterm labor, can raise the risk of autism. These issues may interrupt normal brain development during critical windows. A 2017 study in Pediatrics found that birth complications nearly doubled the risk of autism in children who already had genetic predispositions. While not the sole cause, such conditions can amplify existing vulnerabilities.
4. Exposure to Environmental Pollutants
Exposure to pollutants such as pesticides, heavy metals, or airborne toxins during pregnancy may contribute to the risk of autism in the developing fetus. In cities across Pakistan where air quality is poor, this can be a serious concern. Environmental toxins may interfere with brain cell formation and immune system regulation in the womb. A widely cited 2016 article in Environmental Health Perspectives showed a link between prenatal exposure to air pollution and an increased likelihood of autism spectrum disorders in children.
5. Infections During Pregnancy
Certain viral infections during pregnancy, such as rubella or cytomegalovirus, may influence the baby’s brain development and increase the risk of autism. These infections can trigger inflammation in the mother’s immune system, which may in turn affect the developing fetal brain. A comprehensive review in Nature Reviews Neurology (2015) highlights how maternal immune activation is emerging as a key biological pathway in autism development.
6. Differences in Brain Development
Autism often involves structural and functional differences in the brain, particularly in regions responsible for communication, emotional regulation, and sensory processing. These differences can sometimes be seen on MRI scans even before behavioral symptoms appear. Studies show early overgrowth in the brain’s frontal and temporal lobes, areas vital to language and social behavior. A 2022 study in Nature Neuroscience found distinct patterns of brain development in children with autism as early as infancy, reinforcing the idea that autism begins before birth.
7. Premature Birth or Low Birth Weight
Children born before 32 weeks or with a birth weight under 2.5 kg are at greater risk for autism. These infants may face oxygen deprivation, immature brain development, or increased exposure to infections during their early neonatal care. These stressors can impede neurological development. According to a 2017 paper published in JAMA Pediatrics, extremely preterm birth is consistently linked to higher autism risk, even after accounting for other medical factors.
8. Combination of Multiple Risk Factors
In most cases, autism is not the result of just one factor, but a complex combination of genetic susceptibility and environmental exposures. A child may inherit genes that increase their vulnerability and then experience a secondary trigger, such as a difficult birth or prenatal infection, that influences how those genes are expressed. The interaction between biology and environment is still being explored, but a 2020 review in Nature Medicine emphasizes that understanding these overlapping risk pathways is key to early diagnosis and prevention.
Why Early Recognition Matters
The earlier autism is identified, the better the outcomes. Intervention during the first five years of life is often referred to as the brain’s “critical period” or “critical window”. It can lead to significant improvements in language, social, and behavioral development.
Unfortunately, in Pakistan, many children are not diagnosed until age 4 or later. That’s why raising awareness is so crucial. The more we know, the earlier we can help.
It’s Not Your Fault, But Early Action Helps
If you’re reading this with worry, take a deep breath. You didn’t cause your child’s autism. But you can act early, and that can make all the difference. Reach out to an expert, schedule a screening, or contact a local autism center for support.
AOT (Autism Center Islamabad), being the best autism treatment center in E11 Islamabad, provides comprehensive services including developmental screenings, speech therapy, occupational therapy, sensory integration, and parent support.
We offer the following services:
- ABA services
- School Readiness Program
- Developmental screening
- Early diagnosis
- Sensory integration therapy
- Speech and communication programs
- Parental coaching and support
The services mentioned above make aot a unique autism centre in Pakistan, dedicated to early intervention and family-centered care. As a trusted autism therapy centre in Islamabad, we provide personalized programs designed to support your child’s development. Our clinic is recognized as a leading autism treatment centre in E11 Islamabad, offering comprehensive assessments and therapies in a welcoming environment.
If you’re looking for a compassionate and experienced autism centre in Islamabad, AOT is here to help. We are proud to serve as an awareness centre for autism in Pakistan, committed to increasing understanding and providing expert care.