Scientists suspect that a faulty gene or genes might make a person more likely to develop autism when there are also other factors present, such as a chemical imbalance, viruses or chemicals, or a lack of oxygen at birth. In a few cases, autistic behavior is caused by: Rubella (German measles) in the pregnant mother.
Autism has its roots in early brain development. However, the most obvious signs of autism and symptoms of autism tend to emerge between 12 and 18 months of age. Some infants and toddlers begin develop normally until the second year of life, when they lose skills and develop autism – a pattern called “regression.”
There is no known single cause for autism spectrum disorder, but it is generally accepted that it is caused by abnormalities in brain structure or function. Brain scans show differences in the shape and structure of the brain in children with autism compared to in neurotypical children.Jul 15, 2015
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder that causes issues with communication, social, verbal, and motor skills. The most important thing to know about autism is that it is a spectrum disorder, meaning its affects vary from person to person. No two people with autism have the same symptoms.
There is no known 'cure' for autism. This does not mean, however, that nothing can be done to help a person who is on the autism spectrum. ... Read more about autism, diagnosis, and interventions, including our position statement on therapies and interventions.Jan 15, 2018
New research investigates inherited causes of autism. Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are among the most heritable of all neuropsychiatric conditions. Yet, most genetic links to ASD found in recent years have involved de novo mutations, which are not passed from parent to child, but instead arise spontaneously.Feb 1, 2013
Being immunized against rubella (German measles) before becoming pregnant can prevent rubella-associated autism. Following delivery, there are certain measures that may be helpful in preventing autism. One is early diagnosis and treatment of phenylketonuria (PKU).
Intervention can involve behavioral treatments, medicines or both. Many persons with autism have additional medical conditions such as sleep disturbance, seizures and gastrointestinal (GI) distress. Addressing these conditions can improve attention, learning and related behaviors. ... (Learn more about Early Intervention.)
Autism is usually thought to be a lifelong condition, but a small number of children lose the core symptoms and shed the diagnosis. Some researchers are beginning to explore how common this may be, and why some children outgrow autism.Sep 7, 2015
There is no known cure for autism. But recent research might make parents wonder if it ever goes away — either through therapy or through a child simply growing older. ... Around 13 percent of these children “lost the diagnosis” later — meaning they no longer had signs and symptoms that fit on the autism spectrum.Nov 26, 2015
And they wonder for good reason: Most families of children with Asperger's syndrome (AS), an autism spectrum disorder, receive an ADHD diagnosis — or misdiagnosis — before a pediatrician concludes that it's Asperger's and ADHD.