Other Pages of Interest
It is not known what causes autism but researchers have been trying to make headway to isolate which genes may cause it. Gene research is and exciting area of autism research. But this work is not ready to bear fruit just yet but here is what they know so far. What they have discovered is a number of risk factors that are associated with but not the cause of autism.
1.Genetic History – It has been shown that 30%-50% of autism cases are inherited. You might want to do a little homework and ask relatives did they or other family members experience any autism symptoms. When you visit your doctor be sure have this information available so your doctor can make an accurate autism diagnosis.
2. Risk factors in pregnancy and delivery are also risk factors. It is suspected that women with first trimester infections and lack of oxygen in delivery are risk factors that contribute to autism but are not causes. Make sure you have any pregnancy abnormalities available when you see your doctor.
3. Fragile X Syndrome– researchers have attributed 3% of the autism to this disorder.
4. Gene Mutation – This cause it what researchers are looking for. It seems there are a number of genes that are associated with brain function that may “mutate” to cause autism. It is unclear how these genes mutate. Read more about autism gene research.
Other resources on autism causes and research
Autism is a severe developmental disorder that affects the way a child sees and interacts with the rest of the world. It limits their ability to interact with others socially, in fact many autism suffers avoid human contact.
Autism is part of a larger group of disorders called pervasive developmental disorders (PDD). More information about autism:
Autism is a developmental disability that comes from a neurological disorder that affects the normal functioning of the brain. It is characterized by the abnormal development of communication skills, social skills, and reasoning. Males are affected four times as often as females. Children may appear normal until around the age of 30 months.
Autism Symptoms vary widely in severity, include impairment in social interaction, fixation on inanimate objects, inability to communicate normally, and resistance to changes in daily routine. Characteristic traits include lack of eye contact, repetition of words or phrases, unmotivated tantrums, inability to express needs verbally, and insensitivity to pain.
Behaviors may change over time. Autistic children often have other disorders of brain function; about two thirds are mentally retarded; over one quarter develop seizures.
Autism can be confused with several other disorders which may have similar behaviors. Here is a list of autism like disorders that you should look at.
It remains unclear, but a psychological one has been ruled out. Neurological studies seem to indicate a primary brain dysfunction, and a genetic component is suggested by a pattern of autism in some families. It is largely believed that autism is a genetic disorder that involves several genes related to gene function. However it is unclear to researchers what causes these genes to turn on. Learn more about other causes of autism.
There are many exciting developments in autism research going on at the top universities. They are focusing on inherited autism and autism gene research.
Other Autism Spectrum Disorders
Asperger’s Syndrome – A child with asperger’s disorder has the same common problems as children with autism however they don’t have language development problems of a autistic child.
Pervasive Developmental Disorder and not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) – This child has autism but doesn’t meet the criteria for high functioning autism.
High-Functioning Autism – This child has autism but has normal learning and cognitive and learning skills. Language development is difficult initially but they become proficient eventually.
| Visit these sites for more information |
| Early Origins of AutismAutism and Children
National Institutes of Mental Health |
The diagnosing autism is made when specified number of characteristics listed in the DSM-IV (Diagnostic And Statistical Manual Of Mental DisordersDSM-IV ) are present, in ranges inappropriate for the child’s age. Autism diagnosis usually occurs between the ages three and five. The autism prognosis is consistent across a broad range of studies – about 2% will attain normal functioning, with perhaps 40% labeled high functioning autistic.
| Helpful Note |
| Like any other family faced with this diagnosis, as you explore the options and resources available in your community, you will find on the one hand the unlimited potential your child has, and, on the other, the many limits others try to place on their future. |
These high functioning autistic generally show some oddities of behavior, and have few or no personal friends. Yet, with appropriate intervention, many of the autism behaviors can be positively changed, even to the point that the child or adult may appear, to the untrained person, to no longer have autism. This is where a parent, facing a system with many flaws and pitfalls, must not compromise their vision of their child’s future.
Learn more about Autism diagnosis >
Learn more about DSM-IV
What to look for in Baby Development.
| Keep in mind that this chart notes average progress. The vast majority of children who do not meet these milestones still end up with normal language skills. |
| COMMUNICATION | AGE |
| Social smile | 0-2 months |
| Cooing | 0-3 months |
| Turns toward mother’s or father’s voice | 4 months |
| Razzing sound | 5 months |
| Recognizes mama and dada | 6-9 months |
| Says first word | 12 months |
| Has vocabulary of 8-10 words | 15 months |
| Has vocabulary of 15-18 words | 18 months |
| Speaks in two-word phrases; Has vocabulary of 50 words. | 20-24 months |
| Can answer “who”, “why”, and “where”, questions; Has vocabulary of 500 words. | 3 years |
| Can tell a story | 4 years |
Autism and related disabilities, such as PDD-NOS (Pervasive Developmental Disorder – Not OtherwiseSpecified), and Asperger’s Syndrome are difficult to diagnose, especially in young children where speech and reasoning skills are still developing. Parents who suspect autism in their child should ask their pediatrician to refer them to a child psychiatrist, who can accurately diagnose the autism and the degree of severity, and determine the appropriate educational measures. Autism is a serious, lifelong disability. However, with appropriate intervention, many of the autism behaviors can be positively changed, even to the point that the child or adult may appear, to the untrained person, to no longer have autism, and have a full range of life experiences.
For more information go to Autism Checklist.
Autism Research
There some exciting autism research underway. Specifically related to brain imaging, MRI’s and gene identification. NIH has sponsored a database of brain imaging data to give researchers a uniqute view of the brain.
Books on Autism
Browse our list of Autism books that may be helpful to you and your family. We have 20 recommended titles and more to come.
What is PDD and Aspergers?
PDD stands for Pervasive Disability Disorder. It is often
We are all fortunate to live in these exciting times where so much information is made on the nature of autism and the kinds of approaches to diagnosis, treatment and care that are likely to be effective in meeting the needs of autistic individuals and their families.
The autism prognosis is startlingly grim and consistent across a broad range of studies – about 2% will attain normal functioning, with perhaps 40% labeled high functioning autistic.
These high functioning autistic generally show some oddities of behavior, and have few or no personal friends. Yet, with appropriate intervention, many of the autism behaviors can be positively changed, even to the point that the child or adult may appear, to the untrained person, to no longer have autism. Like any other family faced with this diagnosis, as you explore the options and resources available in your community, you will find on the one hand the unlimited potential your child has, and, on the other, the many limits others try to place on their future. This is where a parent, facing a system with many flaws and pitfalls, must not compromise their vision of their child’s future.