According to the CDC, Center for Disease Control, the prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in the United States is 1 in 68 births. Out of the world’s population, approximately 1% has ASD. The pervasiveness of ASD has dramatically risen over the past ten years; In fact, the CDC named ASD the fastest-growing developmental disability. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) defined Autism Spectrum Disorder as “a complex group of complex neurodevelopment disorders characterized by repetitive and characteristic patterns of behavior and difficulties with social communication and interaction. Because of ASD’s increasing prevalence not only in the US, but all over the world, it is necessary to raise awareness of
…show more content…
ASD influences three aspects, social interaction, communication and behaviors or interests, of affected individuals. Comparatively, social interaction and communication skills are impeded in autistic children. At an early age, an autistic child, when compared to a typical child, may find it difficult to properly interact with others. At approximately 8-10 months, some autistic children fail to respond when addressed by their names. Autistics also experience difficulty in controlling their emotions. Hence, they often display what others might call inappropriate behaviors for their age. They are more likely to throw tantrums and exhibit physically aggressive behavior at inappropriate occasions. Children affected with autism have difficulty in communicating. Whilst some autistic children experience a delay in babbling and speaking, others start communicating at the expected age …show more content…
Currently, the causes of Autism are unknown, but researchers have proposed several causative factors, including but not limited to genetic factors, viruses and toxins and pollution. It has been hypothesized that genetics play a role in the acquisition of autism because when compared to fraternal twins, both monozygotic are twice as likely to have autism. Studies have also suggested that autism may be due to a compromised immune system. Evidence also suggests that viruses may play a role in causing autism; after being exposed to rubella during the first trimester of a pregnancy, the likelihood of having a child with autism increases. Because the prevalence of Autism is higher in cities with high levels of pollution and toxins, it has been hypothesized that there could be link between toxin levels and the risk of having autistic
ASD influences three aspects, social interaction, communication and behaviors or interests, of affected individuals. Comparatively, social interaction and communication skills are impeded in autistic children. At an early age, an autistic child, when compared to a typical child, may find it difficult to properly interact with others. At approximately 8-10 months, some autistic children fail to respond when addressed by their names. Autistics also experience difficulty in controlling their emotions. Hence, they often display what others might call inappropriate behaviors for their age. They are more likely to throw tantrums and exhibit physically aggressive behavior at inappropriate occasions. Children affected with autism have difficulty in communicating. Whilst some autistic children experience a delay in babbling and speaking, others start communicating at the expected age …show more content…
Currently, the causes of Autism are unknown, but researchers have proposed several causative factors, including but not limited to genetic factors, viruses and toxins and pollution. It has been hypothesized that genetics play a role in the acquisition of autism because when compared to fraternal twins, both monozygotic are twice as likely to have autism. Studies have also suggested that autism may be due to a compromised immune system. Evidence also suggests that viruses may play a role in causing autism; after being exposed to rubella during the first trimester of a pregnancy, the likelihood of having a child with autism increases. Because the prevalence of Autism is higher in cities with high levels of pollution and toxins, it has been hypothesized that there could be link between toxin levels and the risk of having autistic