This diagram shows the brain sections and how autism relates to them. Many<unk>  have been proposed, but understanding of the theory of causation of autism and the other autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is incomplete. Attempts have been made to incorporate the known genetic and environmental<unk>  into a comprehensive causative framework. ASD is a complex developmental condition marked by persistent challenges to social interaction, speech and nonverbal communication, and restricted/repetitive behaviors and its phenotypes vary significantly. Research indicates that genetic factors predominate. The heritability of autism, however, is complex, and it is typically unclear which genes are involved. In rare<unk> , autism is associated with agents that<unk> birth defects. Many other<unk>  have been proposed. Numerous epidemiological studies have shown no scientific evidence supporting any link between vaccinations and autism.
Causes of autism
Mechanism of autism
Conditions comorbid to autism spectrum disorders
Heritability of autism
Sex differences in autism
Outline of autism
Autism spectrum
Glossary of communication disorders