Dear Jodi, Just caught your message on the board. CAH is genetic. I will try to address those areas not covered by others. There are different levels of CAH depending upon where the DNA message code to the adrenals is located, and how complete the block on that "gate" is. You do not mention your son's age, but my guess-since he is still alive- is that he has the non-salt type. Untreated or undiagnosed CAH will lead to premature and rapid bone growth, which will then abruptly stop, causing him to be much shorter than his natural height would have been. Our daughter is 6 1/2 yrs, and our endocrinologist is fabulous. Good luck on finding out about the autism connection!