Although the involvement of genetic abnormalities in autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is well-accepted, recent studies point to an equal contribution by environmental factors, particularly environmental toxicants.
Evidence for Environmental Influence on ASD Risk
Several studies suggest that gestational exposures to some neurotoxic and endocrine-disrupting pesticides, including organochlorines, organophosphates, and pyrethroids, increase the chances of an autism diagnosis or autism-related behaviors in children.
There is not just one cause of ASD. There are many different factors that have been identified that may make a child more likely to have ASD, including environmental, biologic, and genetic factors.
We know that there's no one cause of autism. Research suggests that autism develops from a combination of genetic and nongenetic, or environmental, influences. These influences appear to increase the risk that a child will develop autism.
Exposure to locally produced PM2.5 from each investigated source (all-source PM2.5, small-scale residential heating, tailpipe exhaust, and vehicle wear-and-tear) was associated with childhood autism, with associations being somewhat more pronounced than for ASD.
Air pollution – Researchers found early-life exposure to air pollution may be a risk factor for autism. Children of mothers living near a freeway, and traffic-related pollution, during the third trimester of pregnancy were twice as likely to develop ASD.
Background: Studies have shown that air pollution exposures during pregnancy are associated with an increased risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children, and the risk appears to be greater for boys.
Although the exact cause of autism is still unknown, there is evidence to suggest that genetics play a significant role. Since autism is less prevalent in females, autism was always thought to be passed down from the mother. However, research suggests that autism genes are usually inherited from the father.
Siblings with autism share about 66 percent of their genetic material from their father and only about 30 percent from their mother. However, this was a surprising finding with many potential explanations including the complex interaction of parental DNA.
While you can't prevent having a child with an autistic disorder, you can increase your odds of having a healthy baby by doing these lifestyle changes: Live healthy. Have regular check-ups, eat well-balanced meals, and exercise. Make sure you have good prenatal care, and take all recommended vitamins and supplements.
1 in 100 children are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder as of 2021. Autism prevalence has increased 178% since 2000. The country with the highest rate of diagnosed autism in the world is Qatar, and the country with the lowest rate is France.
Depression isn't the only mental health factor that can influence pregnancy outcomes. High levels of stress during pregnancy may also be connected to autism in children. This connection appears to have the most impact when the parent experiences stress between weeks 25 and 28 of pregnancy.
Advances in diagnostic capabilities and greater understanding and awareness of autism spectrum disorder seem to be largely driving the increase, the Rutgers researchers said. But there's probably more to the story: Genetic factors, and perhaps some environmental ones, too, might also be contributing to the trend.
In the United States, prenatal genetic testing (PGT) for Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) is currently available via clinical genetic services. Such testing may inform parents about their unborn child's risk for ASD, prepare parents for the birth of an affected infant, and allow them to arrange for early interventions.
According to a study published in Molecular Autism, children born to mothers with autism have a 5.4% chance of also being diagnosed with the disorder, while children born to fathers with autism have only a 1.5% chance.
This led researchers to investigate the extent to which genetics contribute to the development of autism. Numerous studies, including twin studies and family studies, have estimated the heritability of autism to be around 80 to 90%, indicating that genetic factors play a substantial role in its etiology.
Autism Prevalence
Boys are four times more likely to be diagnosed with autism than girls. Most children were still being diagnosed after age 4, though autism can be reliably diagnosed as early as age 2.
If someone in your family has autism spectrum disorder (ASD), you may be more likely to have a child with ASD. ASD can look very different from person to person, so taking a careful family health history can be important for early diagnosis.
People with autism may lack the ability to recognize and label emotions, and they may have difficulty responding to social cues. This can vary from individual to individual.
Brain damage at birth from lack of oxygen puts babies at a greater risk of developing epilepsy, autism, dyspraxia, and cerebral palsy. Families may recover from the losses endured by them and their babies because of negligent medical professionals.
We usually suggest having specific “corners” for play activities and other areas that are specific for having a snack or lunch. There should not be too many visual distractions, such as random posters on the walls (of course, having your child's favorite characters in their room is a must).
There are many myths about what causes autism. Over the years, scientists have debunked many of these myths. The claim that MMR vaccines or childhood neglect are responsible for autism is not based on medical science.
Researchers estimate that there may be hundreds of genes that could influence the development of autism. Mothers who have bacterial or viral infections during pregnancy or those who are obese are more likely to give birth to babies who later develop autism.