New Autism Research Clues
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 trigger the body's natural painkillers, called endorphins, to go overly far in suppressing feeling. Likely several causes and etiological pathways lead to disorders in the autism spectrum. Most believe autism to have a multitude of probable causes. In the attempt to identify autism's causes, researchers had long endeavored to pinpoint precisely when the disorder begins. A peptide found in schizophrenia and autism causes behavioral changes in rats. In fact, the only proven genetic causes of autism to date are well-defined syndromes like the Fragile X chromosome anomaly. Potential molecular causes of autism and other neurological disorders may 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 disorder. Because autism itself and its causes are so puzzling, the international symbol for autism is a puzzle piece. It is typically accepted that autism is caused by abnormalities in brain structures. Although researchers aren't sure just what causes the brain's wiring to go awry, studies hint that that autism's bases lie in a person's genes. Over-emphasis on genetic aspects may not take an adequate amount of account of several causes that are needed to explain the distinct types of autism. Even for the autism-spectrum disorders with known genetic causes, the molecular mechanism of pathology is not well comprehended.
Asperger Syndrome and Autism
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. Though autism's causes are murky, one thing about the syndrome is clear: it runs in families. Some people with autism, largely males, have fragile X syndrome, which causes mental retardation.
Autism Research
The nice news is that investigation is appearing 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 possible genetic, infectious, immunological, and environmental causes and mechanisms of autism continues. Examination 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 investigation into the causes and treatments for autism spectrum disorders. The CDC is committed to protecting the well being of children and to distinguishing the biological and environmental causes of autism and other developmental disabilities.
The excellent 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 thought about what leads to autism, and a drive to look harder at likely environmental influences. Amazingly, it took many years for researchers to finally say without an uncertainty that cold parents are not one of the Autism causes. Patients, researchers and doctors from around the world have banded together to commence to crack the mystery of what causes autism. The Autism Research Center (www.autismresearchcentre.com) conducts research and disseminates outcomes on the causes of autism and on methods of avoiding, diagnosing and treating the disorder. Research suggests that there may be multiple different autism causes. Autism is a neurological disorder that causes impairments in communication, ability to learn, and social relatedness. Simply put, autism leads to a kid to retreat into an inner world. Little is known regarding the causes, care and prevention of autism. Because the main causes of autism in children are not perfectly understood, targeted prevention is difficult. 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, research into the causes of autism was limited to a few dedicated individuals who received little funding. During the 1990s, there has been an extensive drive to promote investigation into the causes of autism.
Autism Disorder
Autism causes impairments in communication, ability to learn, and social relatedness. It has turn out to be clear that genetic factors contribute considerably to the appearance of the disorder. Autism, also referred as infantile autism or autistic disorder, is a lifelong disease that causes abnormal neurological development. The causes of autism are poorly understood, even though it is clear that autism is a biological brain disorder.
Possible Causes of Autism
Though autism's causes are hidden, one truth about the syndrome is clear: it runs in households. The causes of autism have long baffled investigators and frustrated parents. Theories in regards to possible autism causes include genetics, environmental toxins, infections, and even vaccinations. Many further hypotheses, such as the consumption of folic acid in pregnancy, have been proposed as possible 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 causes behavioral changes in rats. There are other mechanisms of autism besides peptides, although maybe as much as 80% are peptide mediated. Congenital rubella, HIV, and herpes simplex have all been implied as probable autism causes. While the causes of autism still remain a mystery, it has become clear that genetic factors contribute importantly to the presence of the disorder.
MMR vaccination
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 realities. Current scientific evidence does not provide evidence that MMR vaccine, or any combination of vaccines, causes the development of autism, including regressive forms of autism. However, determination of whether MMR vaccination leads to autism is best made by studying the incidence of autism in both vaccinated and un-vaccinated children. These studies make minimal evidence to support a hypothesis that MMR vaccination leads to autism. Even if measles virus were consistently shown to be present in intestinal specimens of children, this would not conclusively imply that measles causes autism. Therefore, these findings provide evidence against the hypothesis that MMR vaccination 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. The most recent 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 claiming that thimerosal causes autism.
Conclusion
We don't know precisely what causes autism, but we do recognize 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 trigger or a contributing factor to the cause or causes of autism. The popular theory now is that people can be born with a genetic predisposition that, coupled with a little environmental trigger, causes autism. Because the disorder is so complex, and because no two people with autism are exactly alike, autism is likely the result of multiple causes. Nothing will make the search for autism's causes simple.
