Last week we learned about the signs and symptoms to look for on Autism Spectrum Disorder. So after we have a diagnosis, the next thing in our heads would be how and what causes Autism?

No one knows the exact cause of Autism. Many suggest it’s either genetic or environmental play a role in the cause of Autism. 

Genetics.

Autism Spectrum Disorder appears to be caused by a genetic mix. In some children, autism spectrum disorder is associated with a genetic condition

such as Rett syndrome or fragile X syndrome.

Other youngsters may be predisposed to autism spectrum disorder due to genetic changes (mutations).

Other genes may affect brain development, how brain cells communicate, or the intensity of symptoms. Some genetic mutations appear to be

inherited, while others appear to be acquired.

• Fragile X syndrome is an inherited disorder that causes intellectual problems.

(FXS), also known as Martin-Bell syndrome, is an inherited condition that causes developmental delays, intellectual disabilities, learning and

behavioral issues, physical abnormalities, anxiety, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and/or autism spectrum disorder, among other problems.

It’s the most common form of inherited intellectual and developmental disability (IDD). Males are more likely to have fragile X syndrome than

females.

Their symptoms are also more severe.

FXS is named fragile X syndrome because, when looked at through a microscope, part of the X chromosome looks “broken” or “fragile.”

FXS is one of three syndromes in the fragile X family. The other two syndromes are:

Fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS).

Symptoms include balance problems, shaky hands, unstable mood, memory loss, cognitive problems and numbness in the hands and feet.

Fragile X-associated primary ovarian insufficiency (FXPOI).

Symptoms include reduced fertility, infertility, missing or unpredictable menstrual periods and premature menopause.

• Tuberous sclerosis Complex (TSC) is a condition in which benign tumours develop in the brain.

TSC affects 40-50 percent of those with autism spectrum disorder, making it the most common genetic cause of syndromic autism.

Intellectual deficits and behavioural issues are two more prevalent TSC-associated neuropsychiatric disorders (TAND).

Approximately 85 percent of people with TSC have seizures, and present medications only control two-thirds of them.

TSC also causes nonmalignant tumours, known as hamartomas, to form in the brain, kidneys, lungs, and skin.

• Rett syndrome is a genetic condition that causes slowing of head growth, intellectual disability, and loss of purposeful hand use.

Rett syndrome is a brain disorder that occurs almost exclusively in girls. Girls with classic Rett syndrome appear normal for 6 to 18 months after birth

before having serious issues with language and communication, learning, coordination, and other brain processes.

Affected girls lose purposeful use of their hands early in childhood and begin making repetitive hand wringing, washing, or clapping motions.

Environmental

Researchers are currently exploring whether viral infections, medications, pregnancy complications, or air pollution can cause autism spectrum disorder.

• PRENATAL RISK FACTORS -Physical, emotional, and psychological health, as well as financial situation, are crucial elements influencing foetal growth and wellbeing during the pregnancy.

• PARENTAL AGE – Advanced parental age (particularly paternal age) has been identified as one of the most important risk factors of autism. There could be a link between children born to older parents and autism spectrum condition, but further research is needed to confirm this.

• MATERNAL PHYSICAL HEALTH – Some of the physical disorders associated with motherhood that are linked to child autism are metabolic syndrome, haemorrhage, and mother infection during pregnancy.

• MATERNAL MENTAL HEALTH – Given the importance and impact of the family unit, parental behaviour, and communication patterns on the development of children’s personalities and emotions, the link between parental psychiatric history and the likelihood of child mental illnesses, particularly autism, is clear. Many studies have found a link between parental psychiatric history, such as schizophrenia, and a roughly threefold greater risk of autism, as well as a link between mother’s depression, anxiety, and personality disorders and susceptibility to autism.

Risk factors

Autism Spectrum Disorder affects children of all races and nations, but some situations increase a child’s risk. These may include:

Gender. Boys are approximately four times as likely than girls to have autism spectrum disorder.

Family History. Families with one child with autism spectrum disorder are more likely to have another child with the disorder.

It is also not uncommon for parents or relatives of a child with autism spectrum disorder to have minor difficulties with social or communication skills or to engage in typical autism spectrum disorder behaviours.

Other Medical Issues. Certain medical disorders increase a child’s risk of Autism Spectrum Disorder or autistic-like symptoms.

Among them are, but are not limited to, the following:

• Problems with the gastrointestinal tract (GI)-The most prevalent medical diseases that coexist with Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are:

Gastrointestinal (GI) illnesses- GI problems are frequently disregarded despite their prevalence.

Children with ASD who have untreated GI distress have been associated to a variety of problems, including sleep, behavioral, and mental abnormalities. Thus, it is crucial to comprehend how GI issues manifest in kids with ASD.

• Epilepsy– Autism is more common in people with epilepsy.

• Concerns about feeding– Children with autism frequently have issues with eating. In actuality, children with autism have a five-fold increased risk of developing a feeding issue compared to their peers. It might be challenging to determine whether a child’s eating patterns are typical or call for treatment, though.

• Sleeping problems– Children with autism may have trouble falling asleep and staying asleep.

• ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder)– Children with autism spectrum disorders frequently exhibit symptoms of ADHD.

Children with both diagnoses are more likely to have a mixed form of ADHD, which includes symptoms of impulsivity, hyperactivity, and difficulty

paying attention.

• Anxiety– This can manifest as one or more conditions such as Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), phobia and panic attack.

• Depression– Autism and depression often coexist. Depression is four times more likely to occur over the course of a person’s life if they have autism.

• Schizophrenia– ASD and schizophrenia are two distinct disorders, however they can coexist. Both disorders have symptoms include behavioural problems, social disengagement, and communication problems. Due to their same symptoms, research suggests that schizophrenia and ASD may be related.

• Bipolar Illness– Studies indicate that bipolar illness may be rather common among children and adults with autism, just like other psychiatric disorders.

• Down syndrome (DS)– When Down syndrome is present in a person with autism, the Down syndrome symptoms (intellectual disability, speech and language delays) may also be present in addition to the autistic symptoms (social and behavioural difficulties, communication issues, and restricted interests).

Babies born prematurely. Babies born before 26 weeks of gestation are at a higher risk of developing Autism Spectrum Disorder. The autism rate increased for each additional week that a baby was born early, and that was true even for children who were delivered only a few weeks before their due date.

In our next articles we will discuss some treatments of ASD. So make sure to receive a copy of our next newsletter, subscribe to our newsletter community below. We are thrilled to have you join us and look forward to sharing the latest news, tips, and resources in the disability and home care industry. As a subscriber, you will be the first to know about our upcoming events, promotions, and exclusive content. Just scroll down below to enter your email address and join our newsletter community.