Introduction to Autism
A White House announcement about autism is expected Monday afternoon after President Donald Trump’s weekend comment that “I think we found an answer” to the developmental disorder.
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. promised earlier this year to determine the cause of autism by September. That baffled brain experts who say there is no single cause and that the rhetoric appears to ignore decades of science into the genetic and environmental factors that can play a role.
What is Autism?
Autism isn’t a disease. It’s a complex developmental condition better known as autism spectrum disorder that affects different people in different ways.
It can include delays in language, learning or social and emotional skills. For some people, profound autism means being nonverbal and having intellectual disabilities, but the vast majority of people with autism experience far milder effects.
Autism Rates Have Been Going Up for Decades
There are two main reasons. First, the definition of autism broadened as scientists expanded their understanding of its wide range of traits and symptoms. That led to changes in the criteria doctors use to diagnose autism and improvements in screening.
At the same time, parents increasingly sought a diagnosis as autism became better known and schools began offering educational services they hoped could help their kids.
As late as the 1990s, only children with the most profound symptoms were considered to have autism. In the early 2000s, as the definition began changing, the autism rate was estimated to be 1 in 150 children. The latest count found 1 in about 31 children are affected by autism spectrum disorder.
The increase isn’t among the profound cases; it’s an increase in the milder cases that weren’t historically considered autism, said expert Helen Tager-Flusberg of Boston University.
There is no single test for autism, which is diagnosed mostly through developmental and behavioral assessments.
It’s hard to tell if there may be additional factors behind the increase.
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. faces backlash from the autism community after saying people with autism will never be able to do things like pay taxes or hold a job. News4’s Aimee Cho spoke with a D.C. family about their reaction to the secretary’s comments.
What’s the State of Autism Research?
Science has shown autism is mostly rooted in genetics, with the discovery of several hundred genes that play a role. Those genes can be inherited, even if the parent shows no signs of autism, or mutations can occur as the brain is developing and its rapidly dividing cells make mistakes.
Experts say different combinations of genes and other factors can all affect how a fetal brain develops.
What about Environmental Effects?
Researchers have identified other factors that can interact with genetic vulnerability to increase the risk of autism. They include the age of a child’s father, preterm birth and whether the mother had certain health problems during pregnancy such as fevers, infections or diabetes.
Any concern that measles vaccine — or other vaccines — could be linked to autism has been long debunked, stress scientists and leading advocacy groups for people with autism.
A mother and son in Prince George’s County say they’re worried about misinformation. News4’s Aimee Cho reports.
What about Tylenol?
The Washington Post reported Monday that the Trump administration plans to link autism to the use of the painkiller Tylenol, or acetaminophen, in pregnancy.
Some studies have raised the possibility that taking the over-the-counter pain medicine in pregnancy might be associated with a risk of autism, but many others haven’t found a connection, said autism expert David Mandell of the University of Pennsylvania.
One big caution: Untreated fevers in pregnancy, particularly the first trimester, increase the risk for miscarriages, preterm birth and other problems, according to the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine.
Tylenol’s label advises women to ask their doctor about use in pregnancy, and the society continues to advise that it’s an appropriate option to treat fever and pain during pregnancy.
Conclusion
The causes of autism are complex and multifaceted, involving a combination of genetic and environmental factors. While there is no single cause, research has made significant progress in understanding the underlying mechanisms and identifying potential risk factors. Further research is needed to fully understand the causes of autism and to develop effective prevention and treatment strategies.
FAQs
Q: What is autism?
A: Autism, also known as autism spectrum disorder, is a complex developmental condition that affects communication, social interaction, and behavior.
Q: What are the symptoms of autism?
A: Symptoms of autism can include delays in language, learning, or social and emotional skills, as well as repetitive behaviors or restricted interests.
Q: Is there a cure for autism?
A: There is no cure for autism, but early diagnosis and intervention can significantly improve outcomes and quality of life for individuals with autism.
Q: What are the risk factors for autism?
A: Risk factors for autism include genetic mutations, advanced parental age, and certain environmental factors such as prenatal exposure to air pollution or pesticides.
Q: Can vaccines cause autism?
A: No, vaccines have been extensively studied and shown not to cause autism. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization, and other reputable health organizations have all concluded that vaccines are safe and effective in preventing serious diseases.
