What causes autism

The cause of autism has been under investigation for many years and research continues to take place - but without a conclusion so far.  Experts don't think there is one 'specific' cause. Evidence does suggest that autism may be genetic. 

The neurodiversity model argues that autism is part of a natural variety of brain function: in the same way that people are born with different coloured eyes and different heights, neurodivergent people's brain operates differently.  

More understanding of autism is a good thing, however, we also need research focusing on areas that affect autistic people's daily lives, such as how to improve mental health outcomes for autistic people, or what causes more distressing sensory processing difficulties.

Is there a 'cure' for autism?

Autism is not a disease or illness and therefore it cannot be 'treated' - there is no cure for autism. Anyone who claims to have found a cure for autism is mistaken or wrong. It is critical that we protect autistic people from harmful interventions that proport to be 'cures'. 

Autism and paracetamol

In September 2025, the Trump administration in the USA announced a link between paracetamol use in pregnancy to autism. Paracetamol is known as acetaminophen or Tylenol in the USA.

The evidence to suggest paracetamol use in pregnancy increases the likelihood of a baby being autistic is very weak and based on poorly conducted studies. High-quality, well-controlled studies suggest there is no link between paracetamol in pregnancy and autism.  

The rising rates of autism that we have seen in recent years are most likely due to increased awareness and changes to diagnosis. Hundreds of studies have been carried out to look at the causes of autism but none have found a major environmental cause.  

There are no proven therapies or drugs that ‘cure’ autism. Most autistic people and families want research to focus on better understanding and support. 

Autism and the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine

In the 1990s, a theory emerged that the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine caused autism. This idea was based on fraudulent findings put forward by Andrew Wakefield. Following an investigation into that study, Wakefield’s research was withdrawn and he has been banned from practising medicine in the UK.

His theory has been consistently disproved over the past decades, yet significant damage has been done with some parents not vaccinating their children, which puts them and all of us more at risk of catching potentially fatal diseases. 

Further information on autism research

Autistica