Question

Are there different etiologies for different types of autism with or without intellectual disability? For example, the type that manifests around age 2 after normal development up until that time? Or a type that may be genetic as opposed to those caused by perinatal issues or environmental factors? Or types associated with other problems such as seizure disorders, tuberous sclerosis, Fragile X Syndrome?

Answer 1

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) have unknown causes, but some genetic forms have been identified. Different types of autism can have different etiologies, including genetics, perinatal issues, environmental factors, and associations with other conditions.

Step-by-step explanation:

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) encompass a group of developmental brain disorders characterized by deficits in social interaction, communication, and engagement in repetitive behaviors or interests. The causes of ASDs, except for some well-characterized genetic forms like Fragile X and Rett's Syndrome, are largely unknown. However, variants of several genes correlate with the presence of ASD, and it is thought to be a disease of "incorrect" wiring in the brain. Different types of autism can have different etiologies, including genetic factors, perinatal issues, environmental factors, and associations with other conditions like seizure disorders, tuberous sclerosis, and Fragile X Syndrome.