WHAT IS AUTISM

AUTISM
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) & autism are both general terms for a group of complex disorders of brain development. These disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by difficulties in social interaction, verbal & nonverbal communication & repetitive behaviors. They include autistic disorder, Rett syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder, pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) & Asperger syndrome. ASD can be associated with intellectual disability, difficulties in motor coordination & attention & physical health issues such as sleep & gastrointestinal disturbances. Some persons with ASD excel in visual skills, music, math & art.

Autism appears to have its roots in early brain development. However, the most obvious signs of autism & signs of autism tend to emerge between two & three years of age. Autism Speaks continues to fund research on effective methods for earlier diagnosis, as early intervention with proven behavioral therapies can improve outcomes. Increasing autism awareness is a key aspect of this work & in which our families & volunteers play an invaluable role.

Is Autism Common?
By way of comparison, more children are diagnosed with autism each year than with juvenile diabetes, AIDS or cancer, combined.* ASD affects over two million individuals in the U.S. & tens of millions worldwide. Moreover, government autism statistics recommend that prevalence rates have increased ten to 17 percent yearly in recent years. There is no established explanation for this continuing increase, although improved diagnosis & environmental influences are reasons often thought about.

Autism statistics from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) identify around one in 88 American children as on the autism spectrum a ten-fold increase in prevalence in 40 years. Cautious research shows that this increase is only partly explained by improved diagnosis & awareness. Studies also show that autism is to times more common among boys than girls. An estimated one out of 54 boys & one in 252 girls are diagnosed with autism in the United States.

Causes Of Autism

Not long ago, the answer to this query would have been we have no idea. Research is now delivering the answers. First and foremost, they now know that there is no cause of autism as there is no type of autism. Over the last years, scientists have identified a considerable number of rare gene changes, or mutations, associated with autism. A small number of these are to cause autism by themselves. Most cases of autism, however, appear to be caused by a combination of autism risk genes and environmental factors influencing early brain development.

In the presence of a genetic predisposition to autism, a considerable number of nongenetic, or environmental, stresses appear to further increase a child's risk. The clearest facts of these autism risk factors involves events before and in the coursework of birth. They include advanced parental age at time of conception (both mom and dad), maternal disease in the coursework of pregnancy and definite difficulties in the coursework of birth, those involving periods of oxygen deprivation to the baby's brain. It is important to keep in mind that these factors, by themselves, do not cause autism. , in combination with genetic risk factors, they appear to modestly increase risk.

A growing body of research suggests that a woman can reduce her risk of having a infant with autism by taking prenatal vitamins containing folic acid and/or eating a diet rich in folic acid (at least 600 mcg a day) in the coursework of the months before & after conception.

Increasingly, researchers are taking a look at the role of the immune system in autism. Autism Speaks is working to increase awareness & inquiry of these & other issues, where further research has the potential to improve the lives of those who struggle with autism.

What Does It Mean to Be On the Spectrum
Each individual with autism is distinctive. Plenty of of those on the autism spectrum have exceptional abilities in visual skills, music & academic skills. About 40 percent have average to above average intellectual abilities. Indeed, plenty of persons on the spectrum take deserved pride in their unique abilities & atypical ways of viewing the world. Others with autism have significant disability & are unable to live independently. About 25 percent of individuals with ASD are nonverbal but can learn to communicate using other means. Autism Speaksmission is to improve the lives of all those on the autism spectrum. For some, this means the development & delivery of more effective treatments that can address significant challenges in communication & physical health. For others, it means increasing acceptance, respect & support.