9 Outrageously Unscientific 'Theories' That (Don't) Explain What Causes Autism

The rate of autism diagnosis in the United States has risen to approximately one in every 68 children. This has become a large problem around the globe, particularly in the Western parts of the world, and numbers have reached an almost epidemic state. Rather than appreciating that research into recognizing autism has led to the increase, more and more people are looking for the cause. This has led to a number of theories, some of which could be relevant, and some of which are just a little ridiculous.

What Causes Autism? Theories And Claims

One of the most well-known and highly publicized theories is that autism is caused by vaccines, particularly the MMR vaccine. News of this caused a furore around the world, with many parents suddenly refusing to vaccinate their children. Worst of all, those that had already had their children vaccinated were left feeling guilty that by trying to do the right thing they had in fact harmed their child.

Let's take a look at some of the stranger theories that "explain" what causes autism.

Wi-Fi and Cell Phones

Another theory that brought fear to many is that autism may be caused by using cell phones and Wi-Fi. It was believed that the radiofrequency waves may damage the brain, causing autism. However, to date there has been no proof that this is true.

Television

There are two theories out there surrounding television and the increase in autism. One is that watching a lot of television when children are young can alter the structure of the brain causing autism. The second theory is based on high rates of autism in places that suffer a higher level of rainfall, and children tend to watch more television on rainy days, therefore it causes autism.

Milk

Unbelievably, animal rights organization PETA claimed during a campaign back in 2008 that autism was caused by drinking cow's milk! It is true that many autistic children suffer from gastrointestinal issues, and these can be aggravated by milk and dairy products, but there is certainly no proof that milk causes autism.

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Parenting

A term that has been tossed around for a while is "refrigerator mothers". This, and overall bad parenting, has been said to cause autism. This theory is almost as ridiculous as the cow's milk theory, and causes nothing but guilt and heartache in parents of autistic children to have this even suggested.

What (Doesn't) Cause Autism? Even Worse Theories

Laziness and Unwillingness

This theory suggests that there is no real autism, and that these children and adults are basically just lazy and unwilling to interact socially. This is easily debunked, as many autistic people strive to be accepted by their peers and would like to interact more with the community, they just don't have the right skills to do so.

Aliens

Yes, remarkably there are some people out there that believe autistic children and adults are actually aliens. There is even a suggestion that autistic people are actually dolphins that have been trapped in human bodies by aliens!

Lack Of A Soul

This is possibly one of the most offensive and truly obnoxious theories out there. It is suggested that children born out of wedlock or from sin are born without a soul and become autistic.

Circumcision Before The Age Of Five

The theory that circumcision before the age of five doubles the risk of developing autism is based on a belief that autism is triggered by pain. Remarkably, they even went so far as to do research studies on this theory, which were later totally debunked as being inconsistent and incorrect.

Herbicide

The main herbicide that is mentioned as a factor in causing autism is called glyphosphate. A research scientist (who specializes in computer science by the way) came up with the theory that the herbicide is responsible for causing autism. This may not seem too far fetched really, as herbicides have been known to cause a plethora of medical problems. However, the research has been labelled as pure speculation and there is no specific data that proves the link between the glyphosphate and autism.

Fact Or Fiction?

So, as you can see, whenever there is a disorder that is becoming more prevalent, there are always those people who will try and link it to an environmental issue. It is true that some disorders are affected by the environment, but so far research has shown that autism is not one of them. 

If you were to believe any of these theories, you would have to remove televisions, cell phones, internet and computers, herbicides, milk and dairy products, and vaccines. And what would you end up with? People that communicate even less; children that miss out on learning through the internet and television; children with calcium deficiencies and weak bones; and worst of all, old diseases coming back to wreak havoc on the population. Yes, it is vaccines that have kept disease such as measles, rubella, polio, diptheria and many others from being around today.

Some may talk, some may not. There are those that have trouble sleeping, or need to have specific routines. Some children may not like physical contact, or may only eat specific foods. If you looked at every child that has a diagnosis of autism you would find it extremely difficult if not impossible to find a common causative link.

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And why are we so focussed on finding the cause? Understandably, with the increase in children being diagnosed, it is natural to try and find out why. But as a parent, the why is no longer the important issue. It is what is done to make your child's life better and easier. It is also what is going to help you as the parent cope with your child that is important.