The causes of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) are complex, obtuse, and remain largely a mystery. Yet the rates of diagnoses are sky-rocketing: over the past 20 years they have jumped 400%, according to a study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry. ASDs currently affect one in 150 babies and up to 1.5 million Americans. It is the fastest-growing developmental disability with an annual growth of 10-17%. (Read more.) While there is little consensus on the causes of ASDs (in fact, the debate is very heated and contentious), there is agreement that extensive research is required to better understand it.

Learn more about ASDs using the following resources:

• National Library of Medicine
• Autism Collaboration
• Autism Society of America
• Autism Speaks
• Collaborative on Health and the Environment
• National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities
• National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
• National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
• National Institute of Mental Health
• National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
• The Nemours Foundation
• Everyday Health's Autism Hub

Please read Healthy Child Healthy World's full position statement on Autism Spectrum Disorders, here.