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Researchers from all over the world are searching for the answer to this question.

They are exploring different explanations for the various forms of autism.

Although a single specific cause of autism is not known, current research links autism to biological or neurological differences in the brain. In many families there appears to be a pattern of autism or related disabilities- which suggests there is a genetic basis to the disorder-although at this time no gene has been directly linked to autism. The genetic basis is believed by researchers to be highly complex, probably involving several genes in combination.

Autism is not a mental illness.

Children with autism are not kids who misbehave.

Autism is not caused by bad parenting.

There are no known psychological factors in the development of the child that have been shown to cause autism.