When a high-profile entrepreneur blames “too many vaccines” for a rise in autism, the headlines spread faster than the facts. Such a kind of claim doesn't only tap a deep parental fear, but it also ends up distracting from what research actually shows about autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
There's no denying that the findings of such research are complex, and are mostly rooted in genes and early (mostly prenatal) brain development. There is no evidence of autism being caused by routine childhood vaccines whatsoever.
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THE SHORT, EVIDENCE-BACKED ANSWER
According to experts, the strongest weight of evidence points towards genetic factors as the dominant contributor to autism risk. Many hundreds of genes, and combinations of genes, raise susceptibility to this disorder.
A second reason is the prenatal environment, comprising maternal infection, metabolic problems (obesity, gestational diabetes), some medications, and also exposure to pollutants or certain chemicals during pregnancy.
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