Autism : General Information

Autism Speaks defines autism as a “general term for a group of complex disorders of brain development”
The exact causes of autism remain 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 parents age, sickness of mother during pregnancy, and oxygen deficiency during birth
There are a combination of factors that lead to autism, but it is likely that genetic factors play a key role

It is far more common for identical twins to both have autism than fraternal twins or siblings
Language impairments are more likely in relatives of autistic children
Families with autism have an increased frequency of chromosomal defects and other neurological problems

Autism is also connected to intellectual disability, problems with motor control, and lack of attention
However, 40% have average or above average intellectual abilities, according to Autism Speaks
Signs and symptoms of autism appear between the ages of 2 and 3 years old
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention states 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
In recent years, the prevalence of autism diagnoses has increased 10-17% annually, according to government statistics

SOURCES

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

Mannheim, Jennifer K. (2012, May 16): Autism. Retrieved from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002494/

Autism