Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder that can affect how a person may think, interact with others, or behave. ASD is formally classified as a neurological disorder and the most common symptoms (issues with social communication, trouble with learning and memory, and repetitive behaviors) present within the first two years of age (NIH 2023). There has been an increased prevalence in ASD cases, with 2.8% of the population officially diagnosed with autism in 2023, as opposed to the 2.3% in 2014 (CDC 2020).
There aren’t a singular set of identifiable traits that distinguish someone being autistic or not, but instead, behaviors present on a spectrum, with each individual having their own set of strengths and challenges. Autism is a lifelong condition, but the amount of accommodations and support a person will need varies. While some people will need constant support for the rest of their lives, others may be able to live fully independent lives.
Autism can present with a variety of co-occurring conditions. These conditions include ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), anxiety, depression, gastrointestinal issues, seizures, and sleep disorders.
While anyone can be autistic, regardless of their race, ethnicity, or gender, boys are approximately 4 times as likely to get diagnosed than girls. This is largely because autism presents differently in boys than girls, with girls having a more subtle presentation of symptoms. This can lead to girls not getting diagnosed or getting misdiagnosed for their symptoms. Furthermore, people with autism may have a more difficult time getting diagnosed as adults as they may have learned to “mask”, or hide their symptoms in order to have a life in a neurotypical society.
Autism diagnoses are usually done through monitoring someone’s behavior. Developmental monitoring is the ongoing process of monitoring a child’s behavior to see if they meet certain behavioral milestones. Usually, parents can ask their pediatrician or other doctors that specialize in early education for what milestones to expect when, and the CDC has a multitude of materials available for parents regarding milestones. Also, the American Academy of Pediatricians (AAP) recommends that children participate in developmental and behavioral developmental screening, which is essentially developmental monitoring done by a professional, to have a formal screening done. This should be done at 9, 18 and 30 months, with specific screening for ASD at 18 and 24 months. Should there be any concerns during the screening process, professionals may recommend that you go to a developmental pediatrician, who would be able to provide your child with an autism diagnosis.
There are many causes for autism, with research indicating that a combination of genetic influences and environmental factors causing the development of ASD. These factors, along with many others (found in the image below), increase the risk of autism and modify the type of autism that presents.
Most of these factors appear to affect early brain development in various ways. For example, many autism risk genes increase or decrease the expression of entire networks of genes. Others seem to affect brain nerve cell (neuron) communication.
However, extensive research has been done to prove that vaccines do not cause autism. While an autism diagnosis can coincide with vaccine schedules, there has been no link established between the two, according to research done over the last two decades. More information on this topic can be found in the link here.
While autism isn’t found to be genetic, research indicates that it tends to run in families.
Changes in your genome or certain genes can also increase the risk that a child will present with autism. If a parent carries one or more of these gene changes, they are likely to pass them to their child even if they themself don’t have autism. For a majority of people with ASD, multiple changes in regions of DNA can increase the risk of ASD. While these changes don’t cause autism themself, they can work with environmental factors and other genes to cause autism.
Here’s a breakdown of some key factors and the research backing them:
Genetics: Strong evidence supports the role of genetic factors in autism, with numerous studies identifying various genes linked to the condition.
Heredity: Twin and family studies have shown that autism has a significant hereditary component.
Environment: Research indicates that environmental factors may interact with genetic predispositions, though specific environmental influences are still being studied.
Prenatal: Studies have explored how prenatal conditions, such as maternal infections or exposure to certain drugs, can affect neurodevelopment.
Neurodevelopment: Autism is widely recognized as a neurodevelopmental disorder, with studies focusing on how brain development differs in autistic individuals.
Epigenetics: Research in epigenetics examines how gene expression changes, without altering the DNA sequence, can influence autism.
Inflammation: Some studies suggest a link between immune system responses and autism, particularly maternal inflammation during pregnancy.
Immune response: There is ongoing research into how immune system abnormalities might be related to autism.
Brain structure: Neuroimaging studies have identified differences in brain structure and connectivity in individuals with autism.
Neurotransmitters: Research has explored how imbalances in neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine, may be related to autism.
Synaptic connectivity: Studies suggest that abnormalities in how neurons connect and communicate may play a role in autism.
Perinatal factors: Research indicates that complications around the time of birth can be associated with an increased risk of autism.
Maternal health: Certain maternal health conditions, such as diabetes or obesity, have been linked to a higher risk of autism in offspring.
Paternal age: Studies have shown that advanced paternal age is associated with an increased risk of autism.
Toxins: Research is ongoing into how exposure to certain environmental toxins might influence the risk of autism.
Vaccines: Numerous studies have conclusively shown that vaccines do not cause autism, debunking earlier claims.
Diet: There is limited evidence linking diet directly to autism, but some research explores how dietary interventions might alleviate symptoms.
Microbiome: Emerging research suggests that gut bacteria might influence neurodevelopment and behavior, but this area is still under investigation.
Birth complications: Complications such as hypoxia during birth have been studied for potential links to autism.
Premature birth: Premature birth has been associated with a higher risk of autism in several studies.
Low birth weight: Research indicates that low birth weight may be a risk factor for autism.
Neurodiversity: The concept of neurodiversity is more about the understanding and acceptance of different neurological conditions, including autism, rather than a factor influencing it.
Comorbidities: Conditions such as ADHD, epilepsy, and anxiety often co-occur with autism, and research explores these relationships.
Sensory processing: Sensory processing differences are well-documented in autistic individuals, though the underlying causes are still being studied.
Behavioral traits: Research continually explores the various behavioral traits associated with autism.
Early intervention: Numerous studies support the effectiveness of early intervention in improving outcomes for autistic children.
Social interactions: Difficulties in social interactions are a core characteristic of autism, extensively documented in research.
Communication skills: Research focuses on the various communication challenges faced by autistic individuals.
Developmental delays: Developmental delays in areas such as speech and motor skills are well-documented in autism research.
Cognitive function: Studies explore the diverse cognitive profiles seen in autistic individuals.
Please read more about these key factors from the references in the Citations page. Read More
Just a heads-up – The info here is for general guidance only and is not a substitute for professional advice. Always consult a professional in the corresponding field for personalized recommendations