What are the genetic causes of autism? In truth, no one really knows. Due to the fact that autism is a spectrum disorder the causes can vary from person to person and case to case. Most experts agree though to some extent that autism is genetically linked, for in families with one autistic child, the risks of another being born increase with each case of autism in the family, especially in regards to males.
Even experts do not have all the answers. A positive though is with more cases of autism occurring every year research funding and grants for the purpose of understanding and possibly preventing or curing autism are on the rise. Causes are questionable and raise many a debate, everything from vaccines to being hereditary and everything in between.
In either regard, no one questions the likelihood of autism being genetic. Despite the fact that the human genome has now been mapped, we are still very unsure of the true nature of genes and how they work and affect our outcome. Researchers have shown though that autism does carry a tendency to run in families. Parents who have an autistic child are more likely to have another one and twins with autism tend to share autistic traits amongst them.
Though we know of the genetic link, it doesn't mean that one gene is responsible for autism. Since it is a spectrum disorder it is quite likely that multiple genes may play a factor in the final outcome and depending on the mutation or absence of the gene or combination of genes a specific form of autism is present. Just like autism has many faces, in all probability, so too will the genes that cause it. So when will we have conclusive causes to the genetic causes of autism? Perhaps never. It is better to think of autism in terms of symptoms, depending on the symptom present the cause may be different. This is why the symbol for autism is a puzzle piece. Autism is a very puzzling disorder, which can overlap other disorders, and have different levels of affect on a persons ability to function.
Genetic causes of autism are undeniable; but just like any genetic related disorder, because we know so little about the true nature of genes we do not truly know the true nature or cause of autism. All we can currently do is support those who have autism and continue to raise awareness and funding towards the research and perhaps potential cure and prevention of autism.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there social groups that my adult son can join ...
By: derrick | 22-07-2008
are there social groups that my adult son can join? He is high functioning mentarlly retarded, with autistic symtoms.
Seminars for nurses
By: Kay Provance | 22-07-2008
I am currently a certified diabetic educator. I see the need for a professional to help people make the necessary lifestyle changes involved with treating autism. Is there currently a seminar available for nurses?
Treatment options
By: mindy | 17-07-2008
My 4 year old son was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.His behavior gets out of control quit a bit. Is there any kind of treatments to help calm him down? He also was diagnosed with adhd which makes him bounce off the walls. The doctor gave me clonidine, but it puts him to sleep most of the time and told me there is nothing else they can do except do these short term treatment sesions and that might help. Is there other things that might help clear his mind so he can be like other little kids?
Financial need for child with Autism
By: les | 21-06-2008
Does anyone know of any speech therapist or speech therapy businesses that offer free funding for children with autism in Atlanta, GA?
Hyperactivity
By: Leximomma03 | 08-06-2008
My child is in the spectrum of autism and to calm her down i have heard giving them chocolate covered coffee beans would help, is this true?
ADHD or Autistic?
By: Chrissie | 02-06-2008
My son is 10 years old and has been diagnosed with ADHD since he was 4. He's been in Special Ed. since he's 3. I've always seen some autism behaviors in him, but his teachers have said he doesn't have autism. He has no attention span, hates loud noises and bright lights, doesn't always look you in the eye when he talks, likes to line things up. However, he has no problems socially. He makes friends very easily. How do I know if he is autistic? Is it possible to be a "little" autistic? I always thought you were born with autism. Can you develop it later on, say at 10 years old? Thank you.
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