causes of autism

1. Autism
DIFFERENT CAUSES OF AUTISM
PREPARED BY: ANALUZ A. FUENTEBELLA
MA SPED
SUBMITTED TO: DR. AIDA DAMIAN

2. What is Autism?
When people refer to “Autism” today,
they are usually talking about Autism
Spectrum Disorders (ASD), which is a
brain-based disorder characterized by
social-communication challenges and
restricted repetitive behaviors,
activities, and interests.

3. symptoms may be more
severe, as when repetitive
behaviors and lack of
spoken language interfere
with everyday life. It is
sometimes said that if you
know one person with
autism, you know one
person with autism. While
autism is usually a life long
condition, all children and
adults benefit from
interventions, or therapies,
that can reduce symptoms
and increase skills and
abilities.

5. Many causes of autism have
been proposed, but
understanding of the theory of
causation of autism and the
other Autism
Spectrum Disorders (ASD)
is Incomplete.

6. In a few cases, autistic behavior is caused by:
•Rubella (German measles) in the pregnant mother
•Tuberous sclerosis (a rare genetic disorder that causes benign
tumors to grow in the brain as well as in other vital organs)
•Fragile X syndrome (the most common inherited form of
intellectual disability)
•Encephalitis (brain inflammation)
•Untreated phenylketonuria (PKU) – when the body lacks an
enzyme needed for normal metabolism

7. Over time, many different theories
have been proposed about what
causes autism. Some of these
theories are no longer accepted,
however.

8. Emotional trauma: Some believed
that emotional trauma at an early
age, especially bad parenting, was
to blame. This theory has been
rejected.

9. Vaccines: Although the
mercury preservative used in
some vaccines is known to be
neurotoxic, the most recent
research on this subject does
not suggest a specific link
between vaccines and autism.

10. Other potential causes of autism
are environmental toxins,
including pesticides and heavy
metals such as mercury. Heavy
metals are certainly more
commonly encountered in the
environment now than they were
in the past. It may be that people
with autism or those at higher risk
for developing it are more
sensitive than others to these
toxins.

11. There is no lab test or X-ray that can
confirm the diagnosis of autism. The
diagnosis of autism is based on
clinical judgment regarding
observations of the individual's
behavior. Information from family
members and other observers is of
primary importance in making the
diagnosis; however, the pediatrician
may order tests to rule out other
conditions that might be confused
with autism, such as mental
retardation, metabolic or genetic
diseases