General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: The Independent: Italian court rules MMR vaccine did trigger autism [View all]SunsetDreams
(8,571 posts)is supporting genetic factors, in addition to environmental. What the research does not support is vaccines being the cause of Autism.
This study may interest you:
Genetic Heritability and Shared Environmental Factors Among Twin Pairs With Autism
The addition of Asperger's to the autism spectrum could very well be a factor in the increase in the number of reported cases of autism. Asperger's is much less severe than many cases of autism. It is what is considered to be a high functioning form of autism. The symptoms should not be downplayed and can have significant emotional and financial strains on families of those affected. However medically speaking, it is true that when compared to other autism on the spectrum, these children do not have significant delays or difficulties in language or cognitive development.