What Can Potentially Cause Autism?
Autism is a spectrum disorder which means that there are varying degrees of autism. One person can be mildly affected and may be able to function in society while another individual may be profoundly affected to such a degree that there is no hope of independent living. With such varying degrees of this disorder, one might expect that there are several underlying causes which increase the chance and severity of autism.
It is generally accepted that autism is brought about by abnormalities in the structure of the brain or some kind of malfunctioning of the brain. It is considered a neurological disorder. As of yet, we do not know what causes this malfunctioning. There are several theories. One is environmental factors such as toxins in the air, viruses or exposure to chemicals such as mercury. Another is that autism is hereditary, as it does seem to run in families. However; they have not been able to isolate a gene that causes it. In addition, there is evidence that the potential to develop autism also runs in families. But this only a theory so do not take it as fact before it has yet been established as such.
The presence of Thimerosal in vaccinations, particularly in the Measles, Mumps and Rubella vaccine, has long been thought to cause some cases of autism. The preservative has been removed from the vaccine due to this belief but many parents remain unconvinced that the vaccine is safe. Parents have the right to choose not to vaccinate their children--if they feel their children may suffer a serious health risk. Other parents argue that autism may be caused by the overload on the immune system by the current vaccine schedule. Many children with autism suffer from asthma, other respiratory ailments and impaired immune systems. It is now hypothesized that exposure to a virus either as a fetus or as an infant might also cause the damage to the immune system which results in autism; of course, this is only a mere theory which tries to search at the core cause of autism.
More conventional treatments of autism involve therapy that targets impaired social interaction, communication and repetitive routines. Treatments in the first years of development prove the most beneficial. Family counseling will help with coping skills in parents and siblings of an autistic person. Antidepressants can be prescribed in the treatment of anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder and depression. Behavioral problems may require anti-psychotic medicines and stimulants may help decrease hyperactivity.
The diets of the children have also come under scrutiny. Many autistic children have difficulty digesting gluten, found in wheat, barley and oat products, and casein which is found in dairy products. The elimination of these proteins helps to improve the autistic behaviors in some children although consuming these products does not appear to cause autism. For now, research is focused finding the gene or genes responsible for causing autism with the hope that genetic testing can identify those at risk for the disorder. With early therapy and intervention, the effects of autism can be minimized. So if you plan to have children in the future it may be wise to know the early symptoms of autism in order to identify them as soon as possible. - 17273
It is generally accepted that autism is brought about by abnormalities in the structure of the brain or some kind of malfunctioning of the brain. It is considered a neurological disorder. As of yet, we do not know what causes this malfunctioning. There are several theories. One is environmental factors such as toxins in the air, viruses or exposure to chemicals such as mercury. Another is that autism is hereditary, as it does seem to run in families. However; they have not been able to isolate a gene that causes it. In addition, there is evidence that the potential to develop autism also runs in families. But this only a theory so do not take it as fact before it has yet been established as such.
The presence of Thimerosal in vaccinations, particularly in the Measles, Mumps and Rubella vaccine, has long been thought to cause some cases of autism. The preservative has been removed from the vaccine due to this belief but many parents remain unconvinced that the vaccine is safe. Parents have the right to choose not to vaccinate their children--if they feel their children may suffer a serious health risk. Other parents argue that autism may be caused by the overload on the immune system by the current vaccine schedule. Many children with autism suffer from asthma, other respiratory ailments and impaired immune systems. It is now hypothesized that exposure to a virus either as a fetus or as an infant might also cause the damage to the immune system which results in autism; of course, this is only a mere theory which tries to search at the core cause of autism.
More conventional treatments of autism involve therapy that targets impaired social interaction, communication and repetitive routines. Treatments in the first years of development prove the most beneficial. Family counseling will help with coping skills in parents and siblings of an autistic person. Antidepressants can be prescribed in the treatment of anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder and depression. Behavioral problems may require anti-psychotic medicines and stimulants may help decrease hyperactivity.
The diets of the children have also come under scrutiny. Many autistic children have difficulty digesting gluten, found in wheat, barley and oat products, and casein which is found in dairy products. The elimination of these proteins helps to improve the autistic behaviors in some children although consuming these products does not appear to cause autism. For now, research is focused finding the gene or genes responsible for causing autism with the hope that genetic testing can identify those at risk for the disorder. With early therapy and intervention, the effects of autism can be minimized. So if you plan to have children in the future it may be wise to know the early symptoms of autism in order to identify them as soon as possible. - 17273
About the Author:
Educate yourself on autism: http://www.autismtoday.com/can%20clay%20baths%20cure%20autism.htm
posted by X - Men at
2:50 PM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
<< Home