The cause of autism is still not known, although researchers believe the problem to be caused by different factors, including biochemical, hereditary, and certain structural differences in the brain. In most cases, however, the cause is never known. Autism is not caused by an unhappy home environment, both parents working, mental stress during the pregnancy, poor handling by the mother, an emotional trauma, or other psychological factors. You cannot cause a child to become autistic. Without knowing the cause of autism, there is no way to prevent it.
Autistic children can make significant progress if the intervention is appropriate and consistent .
Early intervention, before the child is five, is especially crucial to the child's progress. This is why an early and accurate diagnosis is so important. Autistic children grow to become autistic adults, and there is a particular need for meaningful outlets for social interaction and employment where possible.