Causes of autism

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Autism is complex with more than one cause. Some of it is genetic, but it might be caused by neglect, in some cases, like what you see in babies and toddlers with a low staff/patient ratio in poorly funded orphanages. It is true that infants and toddlers appear to be developmentally delayed in these institutions, exhibiting signs of autism, so how can it be entirely genetic?
That isn't saying that genetics cannot be ruled out entirely. It's best to keep an open mind about possible causes.

I used to think it was genetic but have now come to believe it's down to PCB contamination. Research with rats has shown that exposure to PCBs in utero and in the first few months of life leads to autistic characteristics. It also explains how it runs in families as PCBs never go away. Once they are in your system they stay there and get passed on to the next generation and the next to do more damage. That's why they're banned. Also they first came into use a decade before Asperger's was identified. Coincidence?