What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?

Autism spectrum disorder is a neurological condition that affects the way a person communicates with and relates to other people, and how they experience the world around them. People who have autism spectrum disorder may have difficulty with reading nonverbal cues, understanding what’s being said to them, and communicating their own feelings to others. This can make it very challenging for them to interact socially or form relationships.

The cause of autism spectrum disorder is still not known. It’s a neuro developmental disorder that seems to be genetic in nature, with symptoms appearing early in life. Evidence suggests that there is an imbalance of molecules in the brain that contributes to the development of autism spectrum disorder. The prevalence of autism spectrum disorder is estimated at 1% – 2% of children in the U.S., which means that roughly one out of every 50 children will be diagnosed with it before they’re 18 years old.

The exact cause of ASD is still being investigated, but it’s likely a combination of genetic and environmental factors. It’s been linked to several gene variants that are known to be associated with autism in humans as well as in animal models, which suggests that these genes play a role in the development of ASD. However, it’s not clear exactly how these genes contribute to the development of the condition. There are several other conditions that have been found to be associated with autism; for example, individuals with ASD are more likely than those in the general population to have epilepsy or intellectual disability.

What causes Autism Spectrum Disorder?

Many researchers have tried to pinpoint the causes of autism, with more than 20 different factors linked to its development. Researchers believe that multiple factors — both genetic and environmental — may interact in certain families, triggering autism in their children.

Although we don’t yet know all the causes of autism spectrum disorder, we’ve learned a lot about what puts a child at risk. Most importantly, we now know that if parents are aware of these risks, they can take steps to reduce their baby’s chances of developing the disorder — especially if they begin taking those steps during pregnancy and continue throughout childhood.

ASD can range from mild to severe—the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that 1 in 68 children fall on the spectrum.

This number may rise as more cases of ASD are diagnosed and reported. And while scientists haven’t yet reached a consensus on what causes ASD, there are several different theories about what makes brain development go awry. For example, having older parents increases the risk of having a child with ASD, suggesting that there may be an environmental factor at play (thimerosal, or mercury-based vaccine preservative, was once thought to be a possible culprit). Studies have also found that the brains of people with autism show structural differences compared to those without the condition. Other potential causes include:

-Genetics: Scientists have identified more than 30 genes associated with the disorder; however, these genes only account for a small portion of all autism cases.

-Prenatal factors: Women who experience an infection during pregnancy or who smoke cigarettes during pregnancy increase their risk of having a child with autism spectrum disorder-Environmental factors: Exposure to certain chemicals, medications, or toxins may trigger some forms of autism spectrum disorder.

Why is it important to know if you have a family health history of Autism Spectrum Disorder?

There are several reasons why it is important to know if you have a family health history of autism spectrum disorder. The first is so that you can be aware of the risk factors for developing autism spectrum disorder, which include:

-A personal or family history of developmental delays and/or learning disabilities

-Exposure to environmental toxins, such as pesticides, lead, or mercury

-Having a sibling who has been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder or another developmental disability.

-Being born prematurely

-Being male

If you or someone in your immediate family meets at least two out of these criteria, it would be wise to further explore the possibility that your child may develop autism spectrum disorder. If you are interested in your child’s risk for developing the disorder, there are many screening tests available. These tests can help identify symptoms of autism before the age of 1. Early detection and intervention can greatly increase the quality of life for both the child with ASD and their parent(s).

What might the doctor recommend for your child if you have a family health history of Autism Spectrum Disorder?

When you have a family history of autism spectrum disorder, it might be reasonable for your pediatrician to recommend an early evaluation for your child. This is because children with at least one autistic parent are at a 10% risk of developing the disorder, and children with two autistic parents are at a 40% risk. If your child has a sibling who has been diagnosed with ASD, the chances jump to approximately 20%, and if your child has any first-cousins on the autism spectrum, that percentage jumps to 50%.

In order to diagnose ASD, doctors will perform a series of developmental tests on your child beginning as early as 12 months old. They’ll also evaluate their development in terms of social behavior, cognition and communication skills by taking into account factors like how they respond to verbal cues from others, whether they make eye contact with others during play and what their interests are. If the doctor finds that your child is behind in any of these areas (and many more), he or she will likely administer further tests—including speech therapy and occupational therapy—to determine whether ASD is likely.

Genetic testing and Autism Spectrum Disorder

Genetic testing is growing in popularity, as more people are curious about their ancestry and family history. Genetic testing helps us discover information about our family’s health, and potentially even predict our own future. When it comes to autism spectrum disorder (ASD), the effects of this disease on families can be devastating, creating a ripple effect that affects those around the person with ASD, including parents, siblings, and grandparents.

Typical symptoms include difficulty with social skills, communication difficulties, and behavioral issues. The disorder can manifest in an array of ways: from an intense focus on routines and interests to engaging in repetitive actions or having trouble regulating emotions. As a parent of a child who has been diagnosed with ASD, I’ve learned that genetic testing can be both a blessing and a curse. It’s common for relatives of people with ASD to undergo genetic testing themselves so they can know if they’re at risk for passing down the disease to their children. They’d like to have all the information before embarking on parenthood again so they can make informed decisions about their reproductive choices.

Treatment for Autism Spectrum Disorder

Treatment for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is critical to improving the quality of life of those suffering with it. There are several ways that treatment can be administered, including a type of behavioral therapy known as applied behavioral analysis (ABA). The effectiveness of ABA has been well-established, but there are a number of drawbacks to it.

Behavioral therapy techniques are dependent on the patient’s ability to communicate his or her feelings and observations, which is difficult for a person with ASD. They also require substantial time commitment from both the child and their parents, often even more than is required by a typical in-home schooling program. Particular methods used in ABA can be physically demanding for young patients, leading to stress and anxiety when undergoing treatment. Because it relies on both verbal and non-verbal communication, ABA can be difficult for autistic children who have trouble communicating without assistance.

An alternative treatment known as floor time allows patients to engage in play activities using their own forms of communication, instead of requiring them to talk about what’s on their minds. Floor time encourages both verbal and non-verbal expression, reducing stress and anxiety while also fostering socialization.