Genes are thought to contribute a certain amount to the cause of autism but it's not 100 per cent. It might be about 60 per cent genetic. So there are going to be environmental factors that mediate the impact of autism.

In this quote, Simon Baron-Cohen, a prominent psychologist and researcher in the field of autism, discusses the genetic and environmental factors that contribute to the development of autism. He emphasizes that genes play a significant role in the onset of autism, but they do not account for the entire picture. According to Baron-Cohen, genetics might be responsible for about 60 percent of the cause, leaving room for other factors to influence the expression of the condition.

Baron-Cohen's statement acknowledges the complexity of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), suggesting that it is not determined solely by genetic inheritance, but also by environmental factors that might mediate or interact with genetic predispositions. This could include prenatal factors, exposure to certain toxins, or other external elements that affect brain development during critical periods. His work in this area underscores the importance of looking at both nature and nurture when considering the causes of autism.

The origin of this quote comes from Baron-Cohen’s long-standing research into autism, including his development of theories on the cognitive and social aspects of the disorder. He has contributed significantly to the understanding of how biological and environmental factors shape autism, particularly through his research on the Empathizing-Systemizing Theory and the role of the brain's development in social and emotional processing.

Ultimately, Baron-Cohen’s quote highlights the multifactorial nature of autism, acknowledging that both genetic and environmental influences work together to shape the condition. This perspective encourages further research into how these factors interact and what can be done to support individuals with autism across different environments.