Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), affects millions of people worldwide. In fact, the CDC says that 1 in 36 children are diagnosed with autism. Despite being a common disability in kids and adults alike, there is still much confusion surrounding autism.
If you are reading this and you are a parent of a child with autism - or an adult suspecting they might have autism - you may wonder what triggers this condition and why it develops. You may feel guilty about things you might have done differently. We are here to tell you that you are doing great. The fact that you are here, researching the best ways to help your child, proves that you care about giving your child the best life possible.
There are many different factors that contribute to autism. Here's what we currently understand.
Do Vaccines Cause Autism?
It's important to clarify that vaccines do not cause autism, a conclusion supported by extensive research. The misconception that vaccines might be linked to autism began in 1998 when a study led by Andrew Wakefield was published in The Lancet. This study suggested a connection between the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine and autism. However, it was later discovered that Wakefield's research was based on flawed data, financial conflicts of interest, and unethical practices. In 2010, The Lancet fully retracted the study, and Wakefield lost his medical license as a result of the scandal.
Since that false study was published, multiple large-scale studies have thoroughly debunked the claim that vaccines cause autism. For example, research published in JAMA in 2015 analyzed data from over 95,000 children and found no increased risk of autism with the MMR vaccine, even among children already at higher risk for the condition. The CDC, WHO, and numerous other health organizations continue to affirm that vaccines are safe and do not cause autism.
Autism and the Role of Genetics
It has been shown that up to 80% of autism cases can be attributed to genetics. For the remaining cases, research shows the likelihood of genetic mutations.
Scientists have identified several specific genes that may increase the risk of developing autism. For example, a study found that certain rare inherited DNA variations, combined with common genetic variations, contribute significantly to autism risk. This means there is a "polygenic risk," where a combination of multiple genetic factors raises the likelihood of autism. The same study also suggested that language delay could be considered a core component of autism, linked to genetic risk factors for the disorder.
There is also research showing genetic risk for autism to changes in the brain. There is a link between genetic susceptibility and cellular changes across different layers of the brain. By examining brain tissues with advanced single-cell assays, researchers discovered changes in specific types of neurons and their support cells, pointing to potential molecular mechanisms that could be targeted for therapeutic purposes.
Neurobiological Mechanisms
Recent studies have also explored the neurobiological basis of autism, revealing new information about how brain cells develop and function differently in people with autism. A study using "mini-brains" (3D brain organoids) by the Mayo Clinic demonstrated that certain genes regulating brain cell development might be disrupted during early stages of brain formation. This may lead to autism.
Prenatal Factors and Environmental Influences
Environmental factors, particularly during pregnancy, can also affect autism risk. Research from Columbia University indicates that maternal intake of folic acid early in pregnancy can significantly reduce the risk of autism in children. The study found that women who start taking folic acid supplements shortly before conception and continue through the first two months of pregnancy are almost 40% less likely to have a child with autism. Many women typically begin taking prenatal vitamins after this time, so taking prenatal vitamins even before women confirm pregnancy can help reduce the risk of autism.
The study also explored other prenatal influences, such as maternal stress, infections, and medication use during pregnancy, which might impact autism risk.
The Role of Neuroinflammation with Autism
Another fascinating area of research is the potential link between neuroinflammation and autism. Neuroinflammation is pretty much what it sounds like, an inflammatory response within the brain or spinal cord. study by Harvard Medical School discovered that young men with autism had abnormally low levels of a protein involved in inflammation and metabolism in specific brain regions associated with social and cognitive functions. This finding suggests that inflammation of brain tissue, or neuroinflammation, might contribute to the development of autism (although further research is needed to understand the exact mechanisms involved).
Ongoing Research of Autism and Future Directions
Research on the causes of autism is ongoing, and scientists are continuously uncovering new information. For example, scientists are working to map gene regulation across different brain regions and developmental stages. These efforts aim to connect genetic risk factors to observed changes in the brain, offering a more refined understanding of autism's origins.
While much remains to be discovered about what causes autism, recent studies provide a clearer picture of all the moving parts that are involved. In most cases, autism is genetically inherited.
No one is to be "blamed" for an autism diagnosis. Most of the time, autism is genetic, and out of our hands as parents. And there are many children who grow up to be thriving adults with this disability.
At Nova Supports, real research and scientific studies play a large role in our belief system. ABA and behavioral therapy is scientifically proven to help those with an autism diagnosis to be able to learn new skills and thrive.
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