Are You Born with Autism or Do You Get It? Unraveling the Truth

Understanding Autism: A Complex Spectrum

Honestly, this is a question that I’ve heard a lot. And I get it – autism is such a complex condition, so it's natural to wonder whether it’s something you’re born with or if it can develop later. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) affects a person’s social interactions, communication skills, and behaviors. But what causes it? Are you born with it, or is it something that comes on as you grow? Well, let’s dive into it.

Born with Autism: The Genetic Connection

1. Genetics Play a Huge Role

The answer is, yes, in many cases, you’re born with autism. Research has shown that genetics are a huge factor. It’s not a “catch-it-from-someone” kind of thing, and it’s certainly not a result of something you do or don’t do. I remember talking to a friend of mine whose son had been diagnosed with autism. She said, “I always wondered if it was something I did during pregnancy. But after talking to his doctors, I realized it’s just part of who he is.” That really stuck with me because it clarified something: autism is deeply rooted in your genetic makeup.

Studies have identified various genetic mutations and variations that seem to contribute to the development of autism. While we don't know all the specifics, scientists believe that these genetic factors impact the brain’s development, especially during pregnancy. In fact, if a sibling is diagnosed with autism, the chance of another child having it increases, which suggests a strong genetic link.

2. The Role of Early Brain Development

What’s fascinating—and sometimes frustrating—is how early brain development can be affected. You might not notice any differences at birth, but the brain wiring is different from the very beginning. In fact, autism can sometimes be detected in brain scans even before visible signs appear. So, while you might not see any symptoms right away, the brain is already developing in a unique way from the moment of birth.

I remember reading a study that showed early brain growth patterns in children with autism were different from those without it. The study found that, in some cases, the brains of children with autism grow unusually fast in the first year of life, but the wiring doesn’t quite connect the way it should. It’s kind of like building a house with the right materials but without following the blueprints exactly.

Can Autism Develop Later? Environmental Factors

1. Early Signs or Late Diagnosis?

Well, this is where things get a little tricky. You’re not "getting" autism in the way that you catch a cold, but there are cases where signs of autism might not be obvious right away. Some kids show typical development during infancy, only to start showing signs of autism later—often between the ages of two and three. This can make it seem like autism "appears" later, but in reality, it was there all along, just not visible until the child reached a certain developmental stage.

I had a conversation with a colleague whose son was diagnosed at age three, even though he had no signs earlier on. She said, "It’s as if he was just delayed in reaching certain milestones—one day he was fine, the next, we were suddenly in therapy." It was a stark reminder that autism can sometimes be masked during the early years, but it’s always present in some form.

2. The Environmental Influence: The Mystery Behind It

Actually, there’s a whole debate about environmental factors potentially playing a role in the development of autism. While no one suggests that things like vaccinations or parenting styles cause autism (this is a common misconception), factors like prenatal care, exposure to toxins, and even complications during birth might influence the way autism presents itself.

Honestly, some studies suggest that certain environmental factors might exacerbate the symptoms or affect the timing of the diagnosis. But the key takeaway is that genetics are still the main driver behind autism; environmental factors seem to play a more subtle role, if any at all.

The Role of Early Diagnosis and Intervention

1. Diagnosing Autism: It’s Never Too Early

One thing I’ve learned from working in education and supporting families with children on the spectrum is that early diagnosis is crucial. If autism is detected early enough, interventions can be put in place that help children develop essential social, communication, and cognitive skills. This doesn’t mean “curing” autism—because that’s not the goal. Instead, it’s about helping individuals thrive within their unique neurological framework.

I can’t tell you how many families I’ve seen benefit from early intervention programs. One parent shared with me, "If we hadn’t started therapy early on, I honestly don’t think he would be as confident as he is today." This kind of support is invaluable, but it’s important to remember that the earlier autism is identified, the more options there are for support.

2. Does it Change Over Time?

The thing is, autism doesn’t really "change" or "go away" over time—it just looks different at various stages of life. What may be obvious in a 3-year-old may be more subtle in a teenager or an adult. This is why some people don’t get diagnosed until much later in life, especially those on the higher-functioning end of the spectrum.

Conclusion: Autism – Born with It, Not Caught

So, are you born with autism or do you get it? The answer is pretty clear: you're generally born with it, and it becomes more noticeable as you grow and develop. Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition that’s tied to your genetics, and while there are some environmental factors that might influence how it presents, the core of autism is something you’re born with.

I know the question is often asked out of concern, but understanding the nature of autism—how it develops and why it shows up when it does—can bring a lot of clarity. And whether you’re a parent, teacher, or just someone wanting to learn more, the most important thing is to offer support, understanding, and patience. Because at the end of the day, autism isn’t something that needs to be “fixed”; it’s just a different way of experiencing the world.

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.