Are genetics or environmental factors the primary cause of autism?

Dr. Emma Allen-Vercoe

Department of Molecular & Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Canada.


Prof. Jeremy Nicholson

Chair In Biological Chemistry, Head of Department, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College, London UK


Dr. Stephen Scherer

Director of The Centre for Applied Genomics, and Senior Scientist, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada


Dr. Derrick MacFabe

Director and Principal Investigator of the Kilee-Patchell-Evans Autism Research Group, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada.



Join the discussion : What is the primary cause of autism: genetics or environment?

14 thoughts on “Are genetics or environmental factors the primary cause of autism?

  1. Over the years I have had many injuries and have been on numerous medications. I remembered an older man when I was a young man tell me that I should take something he called .. honey gaul…. a mixture of a tablespoon of Honey and a tablespoon of pure Apple Cider Vinegar…. mixed with water to taste…. one hour before breakfast and dinner. I thought it a joke… but when I tried it after taking all of these meds… I tossed those medical supports away and have not been on them since…. that was in 1997 … my health and blood pressure and pains almost disappeared…
    My point is that in support of the gut bacteria… this is a natural method of supporting the digestive system… try it and see what happens…. it just might amaze you ….

  2. Having watched the TV program, “The Nature of Things”, on December 7, 2011 on CBC Television, I became interested in the plight of autistic children and their parents. My primary concern is the use of antibiotics for young children, since the beneficial bacteria in the gut is destroyed. This is of no minor concern, since the mass of bacteria in the stool of a healthy person can be about 30%, most of it being beneficial. Beneficial bacteria in the gut aid in digestion and counteract the harmful forms of bacteria, such as clostridium bacteria which is responsible for many other infections and diseases.

    From the TV program, it was suggested that toxic substances, produced in the gut through improper digestion, could have been absorbed by the blood stream and been deposited in the brain where it affected the neurotransmitter cells.
    The brains of young children can also be affected by mercury, lead, and excess copper.

    The quickest way to restore the digestive balance of the gut is through probiotics. Other helpful nutitional supplements can be found in the book “Prescription for Nutritional Healing” by Phyllis A. Balch.

  3. I object to the way the question is posed: ““ARE GENETICS OR ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS THE PRIMARY CAUSE OF AUTISM?”
    In this, as in other matters, we need to get away from either/or thinking.
    It would be and/and. Environmental factors affect people with a certain genetic predisposition more. We all know that for instance allergies ‘run in families’. If a member of a family prone to allergies has a runny nose and itchy eyes when a certain pollen blows, do we blame heredity or environment?

  4. Bravo to all who were involved in this show and thank you for bringing attention to the autism disorder and highlighting some intriguing avenues of research.
    Please forward to Ellen Bolte my congratulations and support for her hope, persistence, and brave efforts in searching for answers regarding her son’s condition.

  5. Hi there,

    Have you investigated Lyme as one of the potential bacteria causing Autism? (http://lymeinducedautism.org) Lyme can cause massive GI problems, and if a child is born with lyme, then that may cause Autism, (pregnant mother with unknown Lyme infection). Lyme bacteria is metal sensitive, (lead/mercury,) it explains why some children regress after receiving vaccines and some don’t. It also keeps the immune system from properly balancing levels of yeast. Lyme can also cause add/adhd, bipolar disorder and much, much more. http://lymediseaseassociation.org :: http://ilads.org

  6. I run a food coaching and nutrition practice, I also have a child recovering from autism. Please feel free to contact me if you need support, advice on starting biomedical treatments.

  7. I am new to this disease and having just been advised that two of my grandchildren, out of the 5 children in the household, have been determined to be autistic… I need information…and true information on how to be of assitance. It is a terrible thing to see the future of our country … approximately 10% … diagnosed with this disability. I have been in contact with our Government officials who say … we are working hard to … ! I can fill in the blanks… as are the parents and the other children who are to young to understand… they just see two of their siblings getting special attention…and it is causing unwarrented stress within the family. I am not amused ..Thanks… JHG

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