What causes Asperger's syndrome?
- Genes.
- A chromosomal abnormality (such as fragile X syndrome).
- A mother's use of prescription medicines taken during pregnancy (such as valproic acid for seizures or mood disorders, or thalidomide for anxiety).
- Having been born to older parents.
What is the chance of getting Aspergers?
Asperger syndrome is generally thought to be at the milder end of this spectrum. Research has shown that a child born to parents who already have one child with an autism spectrum disorder has approximately a 4 to 10 percent chance of also developing one of these disorders, including Asperger syndrome.
Are you born with Asperger's syndrome?
The cause of Asperger syndrome, like most ASDs, is not fully understood, but there is a strong genetic basis, which means it does tend to run in families. Multiple environmental factors are also thought to play an important role in the development of all ASDs.
