There is strong evidence that there is a genetic component, although the gene(s) remains unidentified. It is also unknown whether any genetic component is a predisposition like Down's, fragile X, etc. or a latent possibility that needs a triggering event to make the gene express, like some epilepsy.
There is also a growing body of evidence that autism is the result of toxic metal exposure, particularly lead and mercury.
And medical science has long known that viral and microbal attack can lead to autistic like condition for some, particularly pertussis, rubella and most recently measles.
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