A nurse is educating a group of parents about potential causes of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

A. Dietary factors, such as gluten and casein, have not been proven to cause ASD, though some interventions may help manage symptoms. B. Vaccinations, including MMR, have been extensively studied and do not cause autism; this is a widely debunked myth. C. Poor parenting or lack of nurturing is not a cause of ASD; blaming caregivers is both inaccurate and harmful. D. The exact causes of ASD remain unknown, but research supports a combination of genetic susceptibility and environmental influences (e.g., prenatal factors, perinatal complications) contributing to the development of the disorder. This statement provides the most accurate and evidence-based explanation.