What is it with people loving to blame women for autism? Hey Jonsmom? Studies show overwhelmingly that older MEN who have children are much more likely to contribute the bum genes that contribute to or cause autism. The media will never mention "advanced paternal age," though it's the cause of most genetic disorders, but will mention advanced maternal age whenever they get the chance. Advanced parental age in general can lead to genetic mutations, but by far and away the biggest contributor to genetic mutations is advanced PATERNAL age.