Autism, also known as autism spectrum disorder, is a developmental disability that affects the way children speak and interact with others. Different levels of social interactions and certain behaviors portray these conditions. This developmental disorder usually begins before age three and lasts throughout a person’s life. Although some people with autism excel in many areas of life, there are others who struggle with day-to-day tasks. With autism on the rise, there are many characteristics, as well as signs, symptoms, and treatments that have a significant influence on those diagnosed with this disorder.
There are many characteristics that can be associated with autism such as the inability to understand another person’s feelings, difficulty …show more content…
Many people believe it is caused by abnormalities in the brain structure or function. Researchers are also finding that heredity, genetics, and medical problems may play a part in those with this disorder. It is also believed that harmful substances that are consumed during pregnancy may also increase the risk of autism. Although researchers are unsure of the cause, the diagnosis rate continues to increase. Since 2001, autism has more than doubled, now affecting one in every 42 boys and one in every 189 girls (Healthline News, 2015). Although autism is found in all social, racial, and ethic groups boys are four times more likely to be affected than girls. Researchers believe that boys are more likely to develop autism due to specific genetic alterations on their X-chromosome. If a boy’s chromosome is missing the PTCHD1 gene they will be more likely to develop autism, whereas if a girl is missing the PTCHD1 gene she has a second X-chromosome, which helps prevent her from autism. There have also been many theories that autism is caused by childhood vaccinations. The controversy became well known in 1998 when a physician in England claimed to have evidence showing the relationship between autism and a combination of vaccines (Everyday Health, 2015). Since then, that claim has proven to be
There are many characteristics that can be associated with autism such as the inability to understand another person’s feelings, difficulty …show more content…
Many people believe it is caused by abnormalities in the brain structure or function. Researchers are also finding that heredity, genetics, and medical problems may play a part in those with this disorder. It is also believed that harmful substances that are consumed during pregnancy may also increase the risk of autism. Although researchers are unsure of the cause, the diagnosis rate continues to increase. Since 2001, autism has more than doubled, now affecting one in every 42 boys and one in every 189 girls (Healthline News, 2015). Although autism is found in all social, racial, and ethic groups boys are four times more likely to be affected than girls. Researchers believe that boys are more likely to develop autism due to specific genetic alterations on their X-chromosome. If a boy’s chromosome is missing the PTCHD1 gene they will be more likely to develop autism, whereas if a girl is missing the PTCHD1 gene she has a second X-chromosome, which helps prevent her from autism. There have also been many theories that autism is caused by childhood vaccinations. The controversy became well known in 1998 when a physician in England claimed to have evidence showing the relationship between autism and a combination of vaccines (Everyday Health, 2015). Since then, that claim has proven to be