Autism Cases

Autism

        Calithea Williams

National University

Abstract

Over the years, there has been an increase in autism cases.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 1 in 68 children are diagnosed with autism.  Autism is a developmental disorder that affects social skills and communication.  Although the root cause of autism is unknown, the condition can be treated.  Each autistic individual is unique, therefore treatment methods must be tailored to fit the individual’s needs.  Studies have shown that with certain therapy techniques, such as applied behavior analysis, people with autism may improve their quality of life.  There are many controversial topics surrounding autism.  This includes its research, treatment, and defining the cause.  Some proponents view autism as a new way of being that should be embraced by society.  Others, however view autism as a disease that should be treated or cured.  This paper will present an overview of autism, its symptoms, characteristics, treatments and future outcomes.

Autism

Over the years, there has been an increased number of autism cases.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 1 in 68 children are diagnosed with autism.  Autism is a developmental disorder that affects social and communication skills, and causes repetitive behaviors.  Unfortunately, the root cause of autism is unknown.  Studies have shown that with certain therapy techniques, such as applied behavior analysis, individuals with autism quality of life may be improved.  This paper will present an overview of autism, its symptoms, possible treatments, and future outcomes.

Background

Although the cause of autism is unknown, research suggests genetics and environmental factors may contribute to the onset of autism.  Environmental factors may include but are not limited to toxins and prenatal risk factors.  Humans are exposed to a wide array of chemicals.  Humans carry at least 250 chemical toxins in their body fat (Marohn, 2002).  Researchers from the Greater Boston Physicians for Social Responsibility suggest the following chemicals are toxic to brain development:  mercury, lead, nicotine, pesticides, dioxin, and solvents used in cleaning products and paint (cited in Marohn, 2002).  Studies show that pregnant women in their 1st trimester who are exposed to the pesticide dicofol are more likely to give birth to an autistic child (Grabrucker, 2012).  

There are certain prenatal infections that have been associated with autism.  A study conducted in Denmark concludes viral infections in 1st trimester pregnant women increase the risk of developing autism by 200% (Atladottir, 2010).  Moreover, gestational diabetes leads to an increase risk of autism by 200% (Grabrucker, 2012).

Genetic factors also contribute to autism.  Recent studies reveal that there are over one hundred genes associated with autism with as many as 1,000 that could be identified in the near future (Issoifov et al., 2014).  The study notes the following: