Causes of Asperger Syndrome

The Prevalent Theories

The causes of Asperger syndrome and other related pervasive developmental disorders are a mystery; however, there are
different theories. Some are the subject of heated debates,
although no specific causes have been clinically proven.

One thing we know for certain ... Asperger disorder is NOT a result of poor parenting or social environments. Archaic theories asserted that parents who were too distant and indifferent to their small children were to blame for conditions like pervasive developmental disorders.

Please explain more about the different Asperger theories.

Causes of Asperger syndrome are puzzling, but there are several theories that are being investigated. Some argue that the condition is purely genetic, while others insist that there are environmental factors that lead to this and other pervasive developmental disorders. Let's take a look at a few of these thoughts.

What are the possible environmental causes?

A condition like Asperger syndrome may be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental conditions. Some theories of cause include:

• toxins
• household cleaners
• vaccines

Many families insist that the signs of pervasive developmental disorder
did not appear until after their children received vaccines.

The particular vaccine of concern is the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. The culprit is thought to be thimerosol, which is a mercury-based preservative. Conditions like autism are similar in symptoms to mercury poisoning.

Do allergic reactions play a role in PDD conditions?

Some believe that Aspergers and related pervasive developmental disorders might be caused by an allergic reaction to certain foods.

While most of us feel the effects of an allergy to food in a purely physical manner, individuals with pervasive developmental disorders feel the effects in their neurological systems and in brain functioning.

Gluten and casein are thought to contribute to conditions like Asperger syndrome. Dietary interventions often seek to completely cut these elements out of a child’s diet. The results of this attempt are a mixed bag, though. Many individuals report significant improvement with this diet, while others see little or no improvement.

Exactly what is "Leaky Gut" syndrome (AGS)?

Dr. Andrew Wakefield described several cases of autism in which the children had inflamed bowels. The inflammation is thought to cause chemical imbalances in the child’s brain, leading to autism symptoms. He also theorized that the gastrointestinal issues were caused by exposure to the MMR vaccine.

These are some of the theories being circulated, although none of them have proved to be true ... yet. In addition, other theories are still to be explored! The real causes of Asperger syndrome are still a mystery, and research is ongoing for the many who live with this disorder day-in and day-out.

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