What causes Asperger syndrome? Can the reason for this disorder and such other related pervasive developmental disorders be ascertained with certainty? There are a number of probable causes of Asperger syndrome. Sadly though, none of these have been clinically proven. In fact the disorder may be a result of a combination of factors instead of any single cause.

In the good old days it was believed that parent’s indifferent attitude may be the cause of this syndrome. However, it has now been established that Asperger’s has got nothing to do with parenting or social environment. It would be foolish for parents to blame themselves for this condition affecting their children.

Medical research is still underway to identify the cause of Asperger’s syndrome. While some researchers strongly believe that this is a purely genetic disorder there are others who are of the opinion that there are certain environmental factors which may lead to this developmental disorder.

Common Causes of Asperger’s Syndrome 

Some of the Environmental causes responsible for Asperger’s syndrome include 

Vaccines 

In a number of children suffering from disorder studies suggests parents having noticed symptoms of the condition appearing immediately after their child receiving vaccines. The vaccines which have been identified during the course of research include those administered for measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Another responsible factor is Thimerosol, which is a mercury-based preservative used in a number of vaccines.

Toxins and Household Cleaners 

In the current modern times children and adults alike are exposed to a number of harmful chemicals and toxic metals on a regular basis. These toxic substances like mercury, lead, food additives, pesticides, vaccinations and so on can build up and cause neurological, behavioral as well as digestive problems. Similarly harsh and harmful chemicals contained in detergents and household cleaners cause a lot of harm. Hence getting rid of toxic metals through specific therapies is strongly recommended as the first step in fight against neurological and behavioral conditions like Aspergers and other developmental disorders.

Food Allergy 

Some researchers are of the opinion that one of the causes of Aspergers and such other related pervasive developmental disorders may be an allergic reaction to certain types of food. These are foods that affect our neurological systems and in brain functioning.

Researchers have noted that Gluten found in wheat and Casein a dairy product may have a role to play in conditions like Asperger’s syndrome. Research studies have been conducted on children after eliminating these items from their diet completely. The result of the study appears to be a mixed one. In some children with Asperger’s syndrome there was a noticeable improvement as a result of staying away from these food items. However, there were others in whom there was hardly any difference despite appropriate dietary changes.

Asperger’s is a complex disorder with specific “Aspies” causing a wide range of symptom severity. Research has suggested that a cluster of genes rather than a single Asperger gene may be actually responsible for this disorder. In addition environmental factors may also be a cause which triggers Asperger’s. Based on comparison of brain activity of children suffering from Asperger’s and normal children studies have indicated that this syndrome may be a result of abnormal changes in embryonic cells that alter brain structure and thought processes.