13 things 'linked' to autism

Frustrated by the elusiveness of the origins of the mysterious disorder, scientists have put forth a range of (sometimes far-reaching) theories

Child playing
(Image credit: Courtesy Shutterstock)

Thanks to improved diagnostic tools, doctors are identifying autism spectrum disorders at "unprecedented rates." And yet, the causes of the disorder continue to elude us. While the widely discussed notion that childhood vaccines cause autism has effectively been debunked, a whole host of studies have popped up since, fostering fear around purported risk factors both in and out of our control. The most recent revelation offers a rather complicated connection — variations in DNA that may predict whether a person will develop the disorder — but previous hypotheses have targeted more everyday elements and activities. Here, 13 things reportedly linked to autism:

1. Older dads

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Lauren Hansen

Lauren Hansen produces The Week’s podcasts and videos and edits the photo blog, Captured. She also manages the production of the magazine's iPad app. A graduate of Kenyon College and Northwestern University, she previously worked at the BBC and Frontline. She knows a thing or two about pretty pictures and cute puppies, both of which she tweets about @mylaurenhansen.