Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is autism?Autism is a broad term for a group of complex developmental disorders. Autism is rooted in early brain development, but signs of autism typically emerge by eighteen months. These disorders encompass a wide range of characteristics with varying degrees of difficulties in social interaction, impaired communication, emotional detachment, and repetitive actions. According to Autism Speaks, the classifications of autism include autistic disorder, Rett syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder, pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS), and Asperger syndrome.
2. How is autism developed?The exact cause of autism remains unknown, but researchers have identified a number of gene mutations associated with autism that result in a genetic predisposition to autism. When these genetic factors are combined with environmental factors, it influences early brain growth and increases the risk of autism. Environmental factors include increased age of parents, sickness of mother during pregnancy, and oxygen deficiency during birth. It is believed that genetic factors play a key role as it is far more common for identical twins to both have autism than fraternal twins or siblings.
3. How common is autism?There are over 2 million individuals in America affected by autism-spectrum disorder. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention claims that 1 in 88 children in America is on the autism-spectrum. Autism is far more likely in boys than girls, with 1 in 54 boys and 1 in 252 girls in America being diagnosed. This means that more children are affected by autism than AIDS, cancer, cystic fibrosis, cerebral palsy, diabetes, or Down syndrome combined. In recent years, the prevalence of autism diagnoses has increased 10-17% annually, according to government statistics.
4. What are the signs and symptoms of autism?Autism cannot be diagnosed until about eighteen months to two years of age; however, children may exhibit signs of autism as young as eight months old. According to Autism Speaks, “parents should look for symptoms such as no back-and-forth sharing of sounds, smiles or other facial expressions by 9 months; no babbling or back-and-forth gestures (e.g. pointing) by 12 months; or any loss of babbling, speech or social skills at any age.”
5. Is there a cure or medications available for autism?There is no cure to autism spectrum disorders; however, one can overcome some of the symptoms. However, early intervention is vital. There is no medication available to correct the brain development, but medications for disorders with similar symptoms have sometimes been found to treat symptoms and behaviors of autism.

Resources:

Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center. (2012). Retrieved from: http://autismcenter.org/autism_faq.aspx

Wright, B. (2012, August 17). Autismspeaks.org. Retrieved from http://www.autismspeaks.org/