Some Clarity on Autism "Causes"
Here is a list of all the causes of autism and their likelihood score (1–10):
That’s right—there are no causes. Autism is a human neurological variation, a way some brains are wired. There are no “causes” of it, just like there is no cause of left-handedness or having red hair.
Why we reject “cause lists”
- Erasure: Treating autism as preventable frames autistic existence as an error.
- False precision: Numbered “likelihoods” give shaky studies a fake aura of certainty.
- Myth laundering: Even listing “vaccines = 1” keeps long-debunked claims alive.
The better question
Instead of asking “what causes autism,” ask: what supports help autistic people thrive? Our energy belongs in building acceptance, accessibility, and justice — not in prevention fantasies.
Thank you for your attention.