Roots and Treatment of Autism - Research Paper Example

The roots of autism seem to be in the very early development of the brain. However, most of the obvious autism signs and symptoms appear at the age of 2 and 3. In the United States, autism statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that 1 out of 88 children in America is on the autism spectrum; this is a 10-fold increase in autism prevalence within 40 years. Further studies show that this increase can only be explained partly by improved awareness and diagnosis of autism. Similar research also shows that autism is practically 4 to 5 times more common in male children than female children (Erickson & Stigler, 2005). In the United States, an estimated 1 in 252 girls and 1 in 54 boys are diagnosed with autism. ASD impacts over 2 million people in the United States and hundreds of millions in the world. In addition, the government statistics on autism show that the rate of prevalence has increased to 17 percent from 10 percent annually in the most recent years. However, there is no particular explanation for the rapid increase although environmental influences and improved diagnosis have been considered in the recent past (Koegel & Koegel, 2006).

The same studies have been exploring what could be the cause of autism among boys and girls. It is important to know that there is no one particular cause of autism, just as there is no one kind of autism. During the last 5 years, scientists have identified some particular rare changes in genes and mutations that are associated with autism. A significant number of such changes are enough to cause autism. However, most autism cases seem to be caused by the interaction of combined environmental factors and autism risk genes that influence early brain development. With the availability of gene predilection to autism, some of the environmental or non-genetic stresses seem to increase further the risks of a child to autism. Some of the autism risk evidence includes events that occur during or before birth. They include maternal illness during pregnancy, advanced parental age (both mother and father) at the time of conception, and some difficulties during birth, specifically the ones that involve an oxygen deprivation period to the brain of the baby. It is, however, noteworthy that these factors do not at all cause autism by themselves, but rather increase the risk of autism in combination with genetic risk factors. Several studies suggest that mothers can reduce the risk of having an autistic child by taking prenatal vitamins with folic acid and consistently consuming a diet that is composed of folic acid of 600mcg a day at a minimum before and even after conception. The role of the immune system is also under study by various researchers (Rimland & Baker, 1996).

In summary, autism is a brain development disorder common in children. Evidence shows that autism is more prevalent in boys than girls, as discussed in the above paragraphs. Numerous studies show that every individual with autism is unique in his or her way. Just as mentioned in the paper, most people with autism exhibit excellent abilities in academic skills, visual skills, math, and music. Approximately 40 percent of such people have above-average intellectual capabilities. The majority of people with autism draw pride from their unique intellectual abilities and the way they look at the world. On the other hand, others with autism s exhibit disability and are not able to live on their own  (Schacter, Gilbert, & Wegner, 2011). An estimated 25 percent of people with ASD are practically nonverbal; however, they can learn to communicate with people using other mechanisms. Such people need fully established development of more effective and efficient treatment with an ability to address their significant communication challenges and physical health. Other people have, however, advocated for support and acceptance of those with autism (Erickson & Stigler, 2005).