No, you cannot have autism if your parents do not have it. Autism is a complex neurological disorder that affects the brain's development and ability to interact, communicate, and process information. It is not caused by any one single factor and is not inherited, passed down from one generation to the next.
Rather, autism is likely caused by a combination of environmental and genetic factors. Although there is no "autism gene," research has indicated that some people are more likely to develop autism if they have a family history of the disorder. This means that if one of your parents has autism, you may have a slightly increased risk of developing the disorder as well.
However, just because a person has a family history of autism does not mean that they will definitely develop it. It is important to remember that autism is still very much an individual diagnosis, and no two people with autism are the same. It is possible to have autism without a family history of the disorder.
It is also important to note that autism is not caused by any one single factor. Even if your parents do not have autism, there are still environmental and genetic factors that could increase your risk of developing the disorder. That is why it is important to talk to your doctor if you are concerned about your risk of developing autism.
In conclusion, no, you cannot have autism if your parents do not have it. However, it is still important to be aware of the risk factors associated with autism and to talk to your doctor if you are concerned about your risk.