Final answer:
ASD can be diagnosed at 18 months, which is a fact. While it's not common, early diagnosis enables early interventions, improving developmental outcomes. The causes of ASD involve both genetic and environmental factors.
Step-by-step explanation:
It is a fact that Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can be diagnosed as early as 18 months. While the severity of ASD varies from person to person, early diagnosis is possible and occasionally occurs at this young age. Identification at such an early stage allows for interventions to begin sooner, which can be beneficial for the child's development. ASD is more prevalent in males, with current statistics suggesting it develops in one out of every 88 children. The cause of ASD is still a subject of intense research, with genetic and environmental factors both playing roles in its development. While clearly genetic forms of autism, like Fragile X and Rett's Syndrome, are known, many cases of ASD may require multiple gene mutations for the disorder to manifest.