What are the Causes and Effects of Austism

Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental condition that affects an individual's communication and behavior. It's characterized by difficulties in social interaction, communication challenges, and restricted and repetitive behaviors. To answer the question: "what are the causes and effects of autism?" we first need to understand the brain development in children with autism.

Brain Development in Children with Autism

Brain development in children with autism exhibits unique patterns. Abnormal brain overgrowth occurs during the first 2 years of life in children with autism. By 2-4 years of age, the most deviant overgrowth is observed in cerebral, cerebellar, and limbic structures that underlie higher-order cognitive, social, emotional, and language functions [1].

This overgrowth is followed by abnormally slow or arrested growth, which potentially signals disruption of the process of circuit formation. In simpler terms, the neural connections in the brain, crucial for cognitive and social development, may be affected.

Additionally, brain enlargement has been observed in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), with this phenomenon potentially emerging early in development.

These findings point towards a significant influence of brain development on the manifestation of autism symptoms, providing crucial insights into the neurodevelopmental basis of autism. In the following sections, we delve deeper into the causes and effects of autism, further decoding this complex condition.

Causes of Autism

Unraveling the cause of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is an area of ongoing research. While there's no definitive cause, a combination of genetic and environmental factors are thought to contribute. The following sections discuss these diverse factors, from pregnancy and birth complications to environmental influences.

Pregnancy and Birth Complications

Several pregnancy and birth complications are associated with an increased risk of autism. These include preterm birth, low birth weight, and maternal conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure during pregnancy. Women with autoimmune diseases, infections, serious illnesses during pregnancy, and hospitalizations also have an elevated risk of having an autistic child [3].

Drug exposure during gestation also plays a role. For instance, exposure to the drug valproate is known to increase the risk of autism, as well as a variety of birth defects.

However, it's important to note that these factors do not guarantee that a child will develop autism. They merely increase the risk. Not all children exposed to these factors will be diagnosed with ASD, and many children with ASD have not been exposed to these risk factors.

Environmental Factors

Environmental elements can also contribute to the development of autism. For example, evidence has shown that exposure to air pollution during gestation or early life increases a child's risk of autism. However, many questions regarding which components of air pollution might be involved still remain unanswered [3].

Contrary to some popular beliefs, routine vaccinations given during pregnancy, such as those against influenza and whooping cough, do not appear to increase autism risk. Similarly, childhood vaccines have been exonerated as contributors to autism.

Interestingly, taking vitamin D and vitamin B-9 (folic acid) supplements during pregnancy has been suggested in some studies to potentially decrease the baby's risk of autism. However, the evidence supporting this claim is not definitive [3].

As research continues on the causes and effects of autism, it's important to recognize that each person with autism is unique. Understanding the multitude of factors involved can help to inform more effective treatments and interventions, ultimately improving the quality of life for those with ASD.

Effects of Autism

Understanding the effects of autism helps to better comprehend how individuals with this condition perceive and interact with the world around them. Some of the most significant impacts of autism are seen in the areas of social communication and language and nonverbal skills.

Social Communication Challenges

Individuals on the autism spectrum often face challenges in the realm of social communication. This was first highlighted by Leo Kanner in 1943, in one of the earliest papers on autism, which detailed issues such as a failure to make eye contact or respond to questions, and a tendency toward obsessive conversation [4].

As further outlined by Spectrum News, one of the main issues lies in the difficulty individuals with autism have with engaging and responding in social situations, staying on topic, and maintaining friendships. These issues were significant enough to prompt the "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders" (DSM-5) to introduce a new diagnosis in 2013 called social communication disorder (SCD), which shares many traits with autism. However, it should be noted that individuals with SCD do not exhibit the repetitive behaviors or restricted interests typically seen in autism.

Language and Nonverbal Skills

People with autism often struggle with a range of verbal and nonverbal skills. These challenges include aspects of grammar, the correct use of pronouns, responding when spoken to, and two elements of language use: prosody, which is concerned with the rhythm of speech, and pragmatics, which is the appropriate use of language in social situations. Problems with pragmatics and prosody stand out as common issues among individuals on the spectrum.

Nonverbal cues, such as eye contact, facial expressions, and gestures, also pose difficulties for individuals with autism. This further complicates their ability to communicate effectively and contributes to the social challenges they experience.

To help mitigate these challenges, clinicians are focusing on improving therapy for pragmatics, which is relevant to most individuals on the autism spectrum. Some researchers are also honing in on identifying subtler problems with social communication that create challenges even for individuals with strong language and cognitive skills. The advancements in acoustic analysis and motion-capture technologies are enabling detailed measurements of vocal pitch, facial expressions, and other communication variables.

Understanding these effects of autism on social communication and language and nonverbal skills is crucial for developing effective interventions and supports for individuals on the autism spectrum. As research progresses, a clearer picture of autism's impacts continues to emerge, providing new insights and directions for treatment.

Diagnosis and Treatment

After understanding the causes and effects of autism, it's crucial to delve into the diagnosis and treatment methods. This section aims to shed light on various approaches, including behavioral, developmental, and pharmacological interventions.

Behavioral Approaches

Behavioral approaches, notably Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), have the most evidence for treating symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and are widely accepted among educators and healthcare professionals. ABA encourages desired behaviors and discourages undesired behaviors to improve a variety of skills, with progress being tracked and measured [5].

Developmental Therapies

There are various developmental therapies for individuals with ASD. Speech and Language Therapy is the most common, aiming to improve the person’s understanding and use of speech and language. It helps individuals communicate verbally or through signs, gestures, pictures, or electronic communication devices [5].

The Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) is a broad developmental approach for children aged 12-48 months with ASD, based on the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis. It involves using play, social exchanges, and shared attention in natural settings to enhance language, social, and learning skills [5].

Additionally, educational approaches, such as the Treatment and Education of Autistic and Related Communication-Handicapped Children (TEACCH) approach, are designed to cater to the learning needs of individuals with autism. These approaches provide ways to adjust the classroom structure and improve academic outcomes based on the idea that consistency and visual learning are beneficial for people with autism [5].

Pharmacological Interventions

Pharmacological approaches do not treat the core symptoms of ASD, but medication may help manage co-occurring symptoms such as high energy levels, inability to focus, self-harming behaviors, anxiety, depression, seizures, sleep problems, or gastrointestinal issues. It is crucial to work with a doctor experienced in treating individuals with ASD, ensuring that the benefits of the medication outweigh any negative side effects [5].

These treatment approaches, when used in combination, can make a significant difference in the lives of individuals with autism. They can help improve communication, social skills, and behavioral issues, thereby enhancing the quality of life for these individuals and their families.

Research and Initiatives

In the quest to understand the causes and effects of autism, various research initiatives and legislative efforts have been put forth. These initiatives aim to expand the body of knowledge on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and provide pathways for improved management and treatment options.

Federal Autism CARES Act

In 2014, the U.S. federal government passed the Autism Collaboration, Accountability, Research, Education, and Support (CARES) Act. This legislation recognized the need to expand research on ASD and to improve coordination among different components of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) that fund ASD research.

One of the initiatives borne out of this act is the Autism Centers of Excellence (ACE) program. ACE undertakes a wide range of research topics related to ASD, from basic science investigations to translational research studies testing new behavioral therapies.

Ongoing Research Initiatives

In addition to the ACE program, several research initiatives are currently underway to better understand the causes and effects of autism. A significant focus of these studies is on early detection of ASD and understanding the brain development patterns in children with the condition.

For instance, studies have observed brain enlargement in children with ASD, a phenomenon that may emerge early in development [2]. In a study involving 106 infants at high familial risk of ASD, it was found that hyperexpansion of the cortical surface area between 6 and 12 months of age precedes brain volume overgrowth observed between 12 and 24 months in 15 high-risk infants who were diagnosed with autism at 24 months.

These findings are significant as they suggest that brain volume overgrowth is linked to the emergence and severity of autistic social deficits [2]. Further research is needed to confirm these results and explore their implications for early detection and intervention strategies.

In conclusion, the continued research and legislative efforts are indicative of the collective commitment to understanding autism, its causes, and effects. Through these initiatives, it is hoped that strategies can be developed that not only treat ASD but also improve the quality of life for those living with the condition.

Early Detection of Autism

In our journey to understand the causes and effects of autism, early detection methods have emerged as a tool to predict the risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Two significant advancements in this regard are brain enlargement studies and the use of prediction algorithms.

Brain Enlargement Studies

Studies have shown that brain enlargement is a phenomenon that has been observed in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and it may emerge early in development. Specifically, characteristic social deficits in ASD appear during the latter part of the first year and in the second year of life in infants at high familial risk of autism.

In a study of 106 infants at high familial risk of ASD, hyperexpansion of the cortical surface area between 6 and 12 months of age precedes brain volume overgrowth observed between 12 and 24 months. This overgrowth was found in 15 high-risk infants who were diagnosed with autism at 24 months.

Moreover, this brain volume overgrowth is linked to the emergence and severity of autistic social deficits. Understanding this correlation and identifying these changes early can contribute to early detection and intervention [2].

Prediction Algorithms

The use of technology to predict the risk of autism has also been explored. Specifically, a deep-learning algorithm that primarily uses surface area information from magnetic resonance imaging of the brain of 6-12 month-old individuals has shown promising results.

This algorithm was able to predict the diagnosis of autism in individual high-risk children at 24 months with a positive predictive value of 81% and a sensitivity of 88%. Such algorithms can potentially be a game-changer in autism diagnosis, providing a non-invasive and efficient method of early detection.

These advancements in early detection methods are a step forward in understanding autism and providing early intervention. They highlight the importance of continuous research and innovation in addressing the question of what are the causes and effects of autism.

References

[1]: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15362165/

‍[2]: https://www.nature.com/articles/nature21369

‍[3]: https://www.spectrumnews.org/news/environmental-risk-autism-explained/

‍[4]: https://www.spectrumnews.org/news/social-communication-autism-explained/

‍[5]: https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/treatment.html

‍[6]: https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/autism-spectrum-disorder-communication-problems-children