Autism: Quick Facts and Common Questions
What causes autism?
Scientific evidence supports that autism is primarily a genetic condition. It’s estimated that the heritability of autism accounts for approximately 83% of autism risk.¹ While some environmental and epigenetic factors may influence gene expression and development,²³ no one toxin has been proven to be causing an “epidemic” of autism.⁴
Do Vaccines Cause Autism?
No. The belief that vaccines cause autism originated with a fraudulent 1998 study by Andrew Wakefield, which was retracted in 2010.⁵ Since then, multiple large-scale studies have found no link between vaccines and autism. (See references for examples).
Why Are Autism Diagnoses Increasing?
Rising autism prevalence reflects improvements in diagnosis and awareness. Key factors:
Co-occurrence with ADHD: The DSM-5 permits the diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) alongside Attention-deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), a distinction not allowed in previous editions. Approximately 50-70% of individuals with ASD also have ADHD.⁹ This suggests the increased prevalence of ASD includes individuals who previously were only identified to have ADHD.
Broadened Diagnostic Criteria: The DSM-5 broadened the definition of autism, consolidating conditions like Asperger’s and PDD NOS under Autism Spectrum Disorder.¹⁰¹¹
Improved Recognition: inclusive research efforts and better diagnostic tools have led to the recognition of autism in girls, women, and intellectually capable individuals—groups historically underdiagnosed.¹²¹³
Delayed parenting: Increased parental age can increase the relative risk of a child developing autism.²¹ As parents chose to delay childbearing for a multitude of reasons, there may be a modest increase in autism diagnoses.
Greater Public and Provider Awareness: Increased education and awareness have led to more families and professionals identifying signs of autism and seeking diagnosis and intervention.¹⁴
The Diversity of the Autism Spectrum
Autism exists on a spectrum, encompassing a wide variety of abilities and challenges. Many autistic individuals lead fulfilling lives, maintain careers, and form meaningful relationships,¹⁷ but, our value as humans should not be measured by our ability to “produce.” It’s important that we move away from outdated stereotypes and harmful views of disability and instead recognize and respect diverse experiences and strengths within the autistic community.
Promoting Neurodiversity and Evidence-Based Supports
Embracing neurodiversity means recognizing and valuing the unique perspectives and strengths of autistic individuals.¹⁸ In families, it means creating a supportive home environment that honors each individual's needs and strengths, such as normalizing stimming and providing sensory-safe spaces. In classrooms, it involves accommodating different learning styles and creating sensory-friendly environments. In therapy, it means respecting autistic identities and focusing on supporting individuals to achieve their personal goals rather than trying to "cure" them. Rather than diverting attention to unproven environmental causes, our focus should be on evidence-based supports and interventions that improve quality of life. Let’s continue educating the public, challenging harmful stereotypes, and advocating for the rights and dignity of autistic individuals to build an inclusive society—one that embraces diversity and supports autistic people in leading fulfilling lives.
Content derived from an article written by Dr. Nyssa Ventura. See the links for the full article and citations.
“ You can’t audit someone’s humanity; their worth as a human. A person’s value isn’t measured by how many taxes they pay for or the toilets used. It’s measured in their connection, in their love, in their passion for things, in their art, in the poems that they do write, and the things that they do bring. That’s how you create a healthy future. You do it on their terms.”