Causes Of Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism was unknown and unheard of in the ancient cultures and medieval times. This disorder just so happened to “appear” approximately 60 years ago. The numbers each year continue to rise. According to research, studies based on the prevalence and evolution of autism, fifteen years ago, the likelihood was one to two children per 10,000 (Sharpe, 2007). Studies show that in 2010, the overall prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder was 14.7 per 1,000 children who are aged eight years. To further simplify, one in 68 children will be affected or diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (PubMed, 2010). Now, 50 families a day learn that their child has autism (Sharpe, 2007). This once rare diagnosis has climbed to epidemic proportions and numbers
Autism Spectrum Disorder is indeed, a spectrum disorder. The terms, autism and autism spectrum disorder are interchangeable and both refer to three of the five disorders that are under the umbrella This means that the individual can have symptoms that can be expressed in a variety of combinations. These symptoms can range from mild to extremely severe. ASD is a developmental disability that creates difficulty for the individual who is affected, to communicate and interact with others. This type of dysfunction has been proposed to potentially explain restricted interests and repetitive behaviors as well as communication and interactions with other individuals (Calhoun, 2006). This disability can entail numerous types of behaviors such as repetitive actions, movements and routines. Changes in these routines can cause upset within the child and can also cause unexpected and out of the norm responses in particular situations. The signs of autism can be detected as early as the first 12 months of life. The early recognition of the social deficits that characterize autism is vital and necessary to maximizing the potential of these children (Rapin & Tuchman, 2008). Lack or complete absence of “babbling” or pointing by the age of one are premature signs of ASD. Because ASD covers a wide range of cases, some children can develop an age-appropriate language and set of social skills for a certain amount of time but can begin the process of regression as the child ages and as ASD continues to remain present. Sensitivity to basic senses such as touch, smell, sound, temperatures and vision are also signs of autism (Iowa Department of Education Early Childhood Services Bureau, 2010). These sensitivities can cause over-stimulation. Over-stimulation most often leads to an upset fit also called a “meltdown.” The attributes that each individual has is not