What are the Main Causes of Autism Spectrum Disorder?

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is the name given to a class of neurodevelopmental disorders that first show up in young children.

Its development may be influence by specific genetic and environmental variables. Learning its major causes can help you to understand why it happens to someone and what can you do to manage this disorder.

What is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?

Autism spectrum disorder is a condition that affects how a person perceives and interacts with others, which can lead to difficulties in social interaction and communication.

 

Additionally, the illness includes constrained and consistent behavioral patterns. The vast variety of symptoms and signs associated with autism spectrum disorder is why we refer to it as "spectrum".

What is the Prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder?

Males are diagnosed with ASD more frequently than females, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In 2016, a survey of 8-year-olds in 11 different U.S. cities discovered a 4.3-to-1, boy-to-girl ratio of ASD.

What are the Signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder?

Autism may manifest through the following signs:

• Finding it difficult to communicate and interact with others.
• Doing or thinking the same things over and over.
• Finding it difficult to understand how others feel.
• Feeling anxious or upset in social situations and unfamiliar situations.
• Taking a longer time to comprehend information.
• Finding things like bright lights or loud noises overwhelming, stressful, and uncomfortable.

If you believe your child or a loved one in the family is showing these signs, then it's time to consult a top psychiatrist right now.

What are the Causes of Autism Spectrum Disorder?

The following are the causes of autism spectrum disorder:

1- Genetics is the leading factor in autism

• When compared to families without autism, families with one autistic child had a higher probability of reproducing a second autistic child.
• One in five children is thought to be afflicted by the condition at some point. The prevalence of autistic features in a person's family is likewise more common.
• According to a study on twins, there is an extremely high likelihood that the second twin will also have autism when one identical (monozygotic) twin has the condition (77% in one significant research). The risk is significantly lower in cases of fraternal (dizygotic) twins since they do not have the same genetic makeup.

Did you know - The genetics of autism are incredibly complex, with hundreds of different 'risk genes' and pathways identified; some of these pathways involve numerous genes in combination with environmental influences. Unfortunately, this is about the only thing that is now clear through research.

2- Geriatric pregnancy can be a factor

• There is mounting evidence that parents who are older—over 35—are more likely to give birth to autistic children.
• Children with developmental and other abnormalities are typically more likely to be born because of geriatric pregnancy.
• Although genetics is consider the most important factor in autism, older mothers are also more likely to experience problems during pregnancy and delivery.

3- Pregnancy and Birth

Early infancy or premature pregnancy seem to be key elements when brain development may be impact according to studies.

 

Moreover, autism risk has been observe to be modestly increase by maternal bacterial or viral illnesses during pregnancy, however, this is only a small contributing factor as per research.

 

Other maternal traits that may be linked to autism in kids include;

• Folic acid deficiency
• Gestational diabetes
• Use of specific antidepressants during pregnancy
• Prenatal vitamin use during pregnancy

4- Environmental causes

• Research on the elements of our environment that might also be causes of autism has increased during the past ten years.
• Nevertheless, despite much investigation, no specific environmental element has yet been identify as the direct cause of autism.
• But many experts are saying that using mobile phones and large screen time exposure at a very early age (almost 1-2 years of the child) may play a role in leading to autism.

What to do next?

In order to improve quality of life and everyday functioning, current ASD treatments aim to lessen symptom severity. Due to the individual differences in how ASD affects each person, each person with ASD has different strengths, problems, and treatment requirements. Treatment programs typically involve a number of specialists and these plans are individualize according to each person.

 

It has also been suggest by the Autism Society of America and other activists that April be name Autism Acceptance Month. Accepting people with ASD demands compassion and an appreciation of the fact that each person's ASD is unique.

Some people may benefit from a particular therapy or strategy while others may not. Additionally, parents and caregivers may suggest to the therapists a better way to support a kid with autism.

Final Thoughts

Early and intensive behavioral assistance is a component of the most effective therapy for autism. A child with autism will show an improvement in behavior as earlier as they are enroll in these activities. Finding the support system that is most appropriate for an autistic person also takes time but it is really effective, whether they are a kid or an adult.

 

Consider that ASD is really complicate and you cannot help your child without taking an expert’s advice. To take assistance for your love ones, book a meeting with a psychiatrist in Lahore right now.