New Autism Research Clues
Potential molecular causes of autism and other neurological disorders might be associated with mis-folding of proteins. NICHD researchers are looking into a variety of possible causes for both early onset and regressive autism. Some people with autism have mutations in the Pten gene, but it is unclear if that's what causes the disease. Although researchers aren't sure just what causes the brain's wiring to go awry, reports hint that that autism's roots lie in a person's genes. Over-emphasis on genetic aspects may not take sufficient account of diverse causes that are needed to explain the various types of autism. Even for the autism-spectrum disorders with known genetic causes, the molecular mechanism of pathology is not well understood. Most believe autism to have several possible causes. In the effort to identify autism's causes, researchers had long endeavored to pinpoint precisely when the disorder begins. A peptide found in schizophrenia and autism instigates behavioral changes in rats. In reality, the only proven genetic causes of autism to date are well-defined syndromes like the Fragile X chromosome anomaly. Because autism itself and its causes are so perplexing, the international symbol for autism is a puzzle piece. It is by and large accepted that autism is caused by abnormalities in brain structures. Genetic factors and brain abnormalities at birth are believed to be some of the most recognized causes of autism. Studies of a Massachusetts town have attributed autism to congenital environmental causes. In some cases, autism may signal the body's natural painkillers, called endorphins, to go overly far in suppressing feeling. More than likely several causes and etiological pathways lead to disorders in the autism spectrum.
Asperger Syndrome and Autism
Though autism's causes are murky, one reality about the syndrome is clear: it runs in families. Some people with autism, primarily males, have fragile X syndrome, which leads to mental retardation. Most recent thought among most stipulates that the causes of Asperger syndrome are the same as those of autism. Some disagree, arguing that Asperger syndrome and autism have different causes.
Autism Disorder
Autism, also referred as infantile autism or autistic disorder, is a lifelong disorder that causes abnormal neurological development. The causes of autism are poorly comprehended, though it is clear that autism is a biological brain disorder. Autism affects impairments in communication, ability to learn, and social relatedness. It has become clear that genetic factors contribute considerably to the appearance of the disorder.
Autism Research
The nice news is that research is starting to reveal autism's causes and signs, in particular evidence of a genetic link. For instance, there is a global research project aiming to pin down the genetic causes of autism by studying 6,000 DNA samples from families affected. NIH research on prospective genetic, infectious, immunological, and environmental causes and mechanisms of autism continues. Investigation into the causes of autism spectrum disorders is being fueled by recent research developments. The U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) continues to support researching into the causes and treatments for autism spectrum disorders. The CDC is committed to protecting the health of children and to making out the biological and environmental causes of autism and supplementary developmental disabilities.
MMR vaccination
Contemporary scientific evidence does not confirm that MMR vaccine, or any combination of vaccines, causes the development of autism, including regressive forms of autism. In any case, a small but vocal group of parents have taken to alleging that thimerosal causes autism. Many parents blame vaccines for the explosion in autism, which causes bizarre repetitive behavior and an inability to establish emotional ties. There is a theory out there that MMR vaccination with thimerosol causes autism in young children. If thimerosal causes autism, the prevalence of the disorder should have declined as the chemical was removed from vaccines. This is not supported by the facts. Current scientific evidence does not substantiate that MMR vaccine, or any combination of vaccines, causes the development of autism, in conjunction with regressive forms of autism. However, determination of whether MMR vaccination instigates autism is best made by studying the incidence of autism in both vaccinated and un-vaccinated children. These studies make little evidence to support a hypothesis that MMR vaccination affects autism. Even if measles virus were consistently shown to be present in intestinal specimens of children, this would not conclusively hint that that measles causes autism. Therefore, these findings provide evidence against the hypothesis that MMR vaccination causes autism.
Autism is a neurological disease that leads to impairments in communication, ability to learn, and social relatedness. Simply put, autism leads to a kid to escape into an inner universe. Little is known in regards to the causes, care and prevention of autism. Due to the fact that the main causes of autism in children are not greatly understood, targeted prevention is difficult. Amazingly, it took several years for researchers to ultimately say without an uncertainty that cold parents are not one of the Autism causes. Patients, researchers and Physicians from throughout the world have banded together to commence to crack the mystery of what leads to autism. The nice news is that research is beginning to reveal autism's causes and signs, in particular evidence of a genetic link. This research reflects a shift in scientific thinking about what affects autism, and a drive to look harder at potential environmental influences. No one knows exactly what causes Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs), but scientists think that both genetic and environmental factors may play a role. Until the mid 1990's, investigation into the causes of autism was limited to a few dedicated individuals who obtained little financing. During the 1990s, there has been a major drive to promote investigation into the causes of autism. The Autism Research Center (www.autismresearchcentre.com) conducts research and disseminates results on the causes of autism and on methods of averting, diagnosing and treating the disease. Research indicates that there may be various different autism causes.
Possible Causes of Autism
Though autism's causes are murky, one reality about the syndrome is clear: it runs in families. Congenital rubella, HIV, and herpes simplex have all been suggested as possible autism causes. While the causes of autism still continue a mystery, it has become obvious that genetic factors contribute substantially to the occurrence of the disorder. The causes of autism have long baffled investigators and frustrated parents. Theories in regards to prospective autism causes include genetics, environmental toxins, infections, and even vaccinations. Many other hypotheses, such as the consumption of folic acid in pregnancy, have been proposed as probable causes of autism. Infection of pregnant woman with "wild" rubella virus is one of the few known causes of autism. A peptide found in schizophrenia and autism suggests behavioral changes in rats. There are other mechanisms of autism besides peptides, although maybe as much as 80% are peptide mediated.
Conclusion
The popular theory now is that people can be born with a genetic predisposition that, coupled with specific environmental trigger, causes autism. Due to the fact that the disorder is so complex, and because no two people with autism are precisely alike, autism is probably the result of a multitude of causes. Nothing will make the search for autism's causes simple. We don't know exactly what causes autism, but we do know that both genes and environment are engaged. There is no theory of the cause of autism which all of us has found convincing. Yet, parenting behaviors are not the cause or a contributing factor to the cause or causes of autism.
