Autism falls into a group of disorders called Autism Spectrum
Disorders, or ASDs. ASDs are considered to be developmental disorders, which impair a child’s ability to develop and grow normally. Most symptoms appear in children before the age of three. Autism can affect three domains of functioning for children. The most affected domain is social interactions. The other two areas include trouble with speaking and having repetitive interests, thoughts, or behaviors. CAUSES
There is no single cause for autism, but is generally known to be caused
by abnormalities in brain structure. Most common theory is a combination of environmental factors and genetic predisposition. Some children are born with a susceptibility to autism, but researchers have yet to discover a trigger that causes autism to develop. Under certain conditions, some unstable genes may interfere with brain development. Viral infections, metabolic imbalances, and exposure to chemicals HOW DOES IT SPREAD? Many children diagnosed with autism have a pattern of autism or related disabilities in their family. There is no one gene that causes autism. One reason that researchers have a tough time tracing the spread of autism, is because the disease varies from one person to another. Ranges from mild to severe symptoms, and some acquire special skills. Exposure to certain toxins, such as pesticides and phthalates, increases the chances of a child having autism. Autism tends to occur in children with genetic or chromosomal conditions such as down syndrome or tuberous sclerosis. SYMPTOMS Lack of interest in others Show interest in objects rather than people Avoid eye contact Failure to show empathy Makes communicating and interacting with people difficult Chatting, playing, hanging out, or socializing Fails to recognize or answer to their own name Repetitive behaviors (rocking or twirling) Delayed speech or other important milestones Sometimes, children may be sensitive to loud noises and changes in their daily routine. There is no cure, but treatments can help manage symptoms. It’s important to start early because the brains of children under 5 often adapt more easily. Therapy can help kids learn language and life skills. Behavioral therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, social skills therapy, musical therapy Separate schooling Autism alone is not fatal, but many people have other conditions that are, such as epilepsy.
CAN IT BE TREATED OR CURED? IS IT
FATAL? 1 in 68 children are diagnosed with autism. Boys are five times more likely to have autism than girls. Autism is one of the fastest-growing developmental disorders in the US. About 40% of people with autism have average or above-average intelligence. Parents who have a child with an ASD have a 2%–18% chance of having a second child who is also affected.
STATS AND FACTS
WORKS CITED
Autism Society. “Causes.” Autism Society, 15 July 2015,
www.autism-society.org/what-is/causes/. Autism Speaks. “What Is Autism?” Autism Speaks, 31 May 2012, www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism. CDC. “Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).” CDC, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 11 July 2016, www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/data.html. Rodriguez, Diana. “What Is Autism?” EverydayHealth.com, Everyday Health, 9 Jan. 2014, www.everydayhealth.com/autism/autism-basics.aspx. Walter, Rhonda S. “Autism.” KidsHealth, The Nemours Foundation, Aug. 2016, kidshealth.org/en/teens/autism.html.