The Question of the Causes of Autism - Essay Example

Causes of Autism. I chose the topic on the causes of Autism because as it is Autism is known to affect many people across the globe while its attention is very minimal, this has an impact that is not noticed openly to the society. But interestingly Autism disorder is on the rise, which means it deserves a closer look. Before the research my knowledge about Autism like most people was very little. So many people go on with their normal life, not knowing anything about the disorder and the few that do are mostly compelled to find out about it because they are in some way affected by it. Apart from the symptoms I had no knowledge whatsoever bout this disorder. Causes of Autism. The question of the causes of Autism is important because for there to be a possibility of a cure, it is necessary to know as possible about the causes. This is true not only for Autism but for any disease human or otherwise. There are several problems facing this type of research because for one there is not really that much literature on the causes of Autism. Interestingly, it is this very kind of research and record that needs to be there if any, meaningful strides are to be made against Autism. So what are the causes of Autism? The causes of Autism are still relatively unclear. The most common theories that are at the moment most followed are based on the humans come into being. For there to exist a human being Genes must interact with nutrients in order to enable the one cell or fertilized egg to multiply and form several organs and cell systems which each have highly specific functions. It is as a result of continued interaction between nutrients and the genetic code that supports the fetus development in the womb, through infancy and also responsible for good health throughout the human being’s life. Recent research, however points to Autism possibly resulting from what is called a genetic susceptibility combined with abnormal Omega 3 fatty acid levels within the cell membrane is exposed to a single or a combination of environmental insults such as virus, bacteria or heavy metal exposure which then results in cells not functioning as they should. The largest effect is experienced in the brain and the gut. This can all happen during the pregnancy or after birth. The eventuality of these dysfunctional interactions is that the body systems are affected. The most common effects are associated with the endocrine, immune system, the central nervous system and the gastrointestinal system. What makes description of this disorder so complex is the fact that at any one time there are thousand if not millions of interactions that are possible. It is nevertheless likely to construct an easy biomedical representation of Autism based on existing and published scientific evidence. Literature review According to (Benayed, 2005) they are several studies that are in support of the view that Autism does in fact have a genetic component. He cites a recent study that demonstrated a linkage between Autism and what is referred to as Engrailed 2 gene, which was found to found to be a contributory factor in up to 40% of autism cases. This gene is involved in the usual neural development. The study provides genetic evidence that points to EN2 as it is also called predisposing individuals to Autism. The author is of the opinion that a disruption in the expression of this gene could to a significant level affect how the brain normally develops. The fact that the research study found a forty percent linkage to know cases of Autism give both weight and credibility to this authors opinion. There is also supporting evidence in other studies that show patients with Autism as having abnormalities in what is called the serotonergic system. In example, functional polymorphism of a gene called the serotonin carrier gene proves to be more than considerably confer the risk of Autism and also to affect the volume of the cortical gray matter in young children. While this argument does offer very convincing information there is a need for further research to account for the remaining forty percent of Autism cases. One is forced to ask themselves about that remaining sixty percent who show normal genetics yet still somehow come down with Autism. There is greater need for all efforts to be put together into further research to shed light on other possible contributory factors which further sources might offer. (Weber and Newmark, 2007) are of the opinion that genetics alone cannot be the sole contributory factors for Autism. They cite the increasing levels of prevalence of Autistic cases between the year 1990 and 2000 as proof that there is another contributory factor. They argue that if it was up to genetics alone, then each consecutive generation would have matching Autism prevalence rates. They point a finger to the interaction between toxins and nutrients as the most likely cause factor for Autism in industrialized nations. Other studies have come out in support of this opinion. The problem with this opinion however is that unlike in the first there are no real numbers or percentages to give if that much needed credibility hence prompting the need for further study to cater for this deficiency (Amminger, Berger, et al, 2007) offer another suggestion which is for all intents and purposes very viable in the explanation of the causes of Autism. Studies have on both humans as well as animals have proven reduced levels of Omega 3 fatty acids cause neurodevelopmental disorders and impaired cell membranes. There has been increased evidence pointing to imbalances and deficiencies in fatty acids as a contributory factor to early childhood neurodevelopmental disorders not just Autism. A clinical treatment trial with Omega 3 supplements proved to reduce the prevalence in Autism. It is a reduction that gives this opinion credibility. Like the previous one it lacks figures to with it, but the clinical trials are enough to cater for this inadequacy. Conclusion. Having gone through this information one can comfortably say that they are a step along in understanding Autism. This research does also give one hope in the possibility for a cure going by the figures and clinical trials. After studying the topic gets to understand the disorder a lot better and is in a position to sympathize and empathize with Autism patients and their families. References. Amminger, G. P., G. E. Berger, et al. (2007). "Omega-3 fatty acids supplementation in children with autism: a double-blind randomized, placebo-controlled pilot study." Biol Psychiatry61(4): 551-3. Benayed, R., N. Gharani, et al. (2005). "Support for the homeobox transcription factor gene ENGRAILED 2 as an autism spectrum disorder susceptibility locus." Am J Hum Genet77(5): 851-68. Weber, W. and S. Newmark (2007)."Complementary and alternative medical therapies for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and autism."PediatrClin North America54(6): 983-1006; xii. Read More