An online scientific documentary series claimed that 'autism is entirely caused by non-genetic, environmental factors experienced during prenatal development and birth'. The series presented the case of identical twin sisters, Chloe and Zoe. During the pregnancy, Chloe suffered from twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome, which led to significant intrauterine growth restriction and a very low birth weight, followed by neonatal hypoxia (oxygen deprivation). Zoe did not suffer from growth restriction, was born at a healthy weight, and had an uncomplicated neonatal period. By age four, Chloe was diagnosed with autism, while Zoe shows typical neurodevelopment and has not received a diagnosis.
To what extent do you agree with the documentary's assertion in relation to Chloe and Zoe that autism is entirely determined by environmental factors? You must make reference to the context in your answer.
Practise Edexcel A Level Psychology Content with exam-style questions for A Level Psychology. 100 questions covering Main features of classical conditioning, Pavlov (1927) salivation in dogs, Main features of operant conditioning, Properties of reinforcement, Behaviour modification and shaping, Main features of social learning theory, Social learning stages, Bandura (1961, 1963) Bobo doll experiments, Bandura (1965) vicarious reinforcement, Learning theories and phobias, Treatments for phobias, Individual differences, and Developmental psychology, matched to the Edexcel A Level Psychology (9PS0) specification and written in Paper 1, Paper 2 and Paper 3 style. Every question includes a full worked solution and mark scheme, so you can see where marks are awarded rather than just whether you got the answer right.