After $1B, experts see progress on autism's causes - WKOW 27: Madison, WI Breaking News, Weather and Sports

After $1B, experts see progress on autism's causes

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ATLANTA (WKOW) -- More than $1 billion has been spent over the past ten years searching for the causes of autism. Now, experts say they're seeing the beginning of a wave of scientific reports that should strengthen some theories and reject others.

The causes of autism are believed to be complicated. In many cases, autism can be blamed on a combination of genetics and other factors.

Over the years, dozens of genes that appear to influence the risk of the autism have been identified. And a half-dozen drug companies are said to be working on developing new treatments.

On Monday, a new study linking obesity during pregnancy with autism in children was released online in the journal Pediatrics. Researchers say the study doesn't prove obesity causes autism, but their results raise public health concerns because of the high level of obesity in the U.S.

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