Autism spectrum disorders, which usually begin before the age of three, are characterized by impaired abilities to communicate and interact socially, as well as unusual behaviors and interests. People with the disorder can range in mental ability from severely challenged to gifted. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicate that autism spectrum disorders affect about an estimate of one in 150 children under the age of three. While most chromosomal abnormalities are inherited, seven percent of children with autism have structural changes in their genome which are not found in their parents. Autism is developed during the embryonic stage of development, possibly due to interplay of genetic factors inherited by the parents. Researchers have also found thirteen regions in the genome with chromosomal in unrelated people with autism. These genes may have caused the complexity of the condition. The most significant change was found on chromosome sixteen. In a set of autism cases, researchers discovered abnormalities in several genes known to be involved in neuron function. They also identified two cases that had been linked to mental retardation. Chromosomes fifteen and seven are also related to the cause of autism. Chromosome fifteen mutations are the most common genetic mutations seen in autism …show more content…
Early signs of autism in children include that they don’t make eye contact, don’t make noises to get attention, and don’t respond to familiar voices. Early signs also include not reacting to loud sounds, not showing concern for others, having difficulty in changes such as routines, orders and rituals, and not being able to start or continue conversations. Autism can be detected prenatally. Some prenatal factors may contribute to autism. These include maternal infections during pregnancy, complications like very low birth weight, and exposure to chemical pollutants such as metals and pesticides, while