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Over the past couple of decades, the knowledge surrounding autism has grown. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), the term that identifies individuals with different types of brain development conditions, is a condition that is so complex that doctors learn more about it every year. So far, the knowledge, such as early intervention being the best way to counter and prepare for the the effects of ASD, remains the same. What also has become even more apparent over time is that not one individual with autism is the same — ASD can range from social communication deficits to medical disorders.
Since those with ASD will have unique needs and varying abilities, it is important to be aware of each individual’s circumstances so that accepting and supportive communities are the norm. “As a mom who raised my own son with autism, advocacy was front and center,” shared Dr. Sharon Link-Wyler to Autism Parenting Magazine. She further stated that her journey as a mother of a child with autism has been to always stand alongside her son. “This maternal tendency does not go away despite the age of my child. I still pitch in as needed to ensure that he gets what he needs.”
And it’s not just parents who can be advocates for those with ASD, everyone can. So, here are some can’t-miss recent findings about autism — what to know and what to further explore.
New findings: What causes autism?
The CDC’s list of factors, such as the age of the parents at the time of birth and having a sibling with autism, remain the standard in assessing the risk for ASD. However, much of what causes autism is unknown. While research is being done in order to better understand how such a disorder is developed, most of it is inconclusive.
“We can find many, many factors that are correlated with autism,” Dr. Katarzyna Chawarska, Ph.D., professor of child psychiatry at Yale University’s Child Study Center, told The New York Times. “But in reality, we really don’t know if they’re involved in the cause of autism.”
In order to dispel some of the mystery surrounding the disorder, relentless research continues to be done. Here is what has been newly discovered about the causes of ASD:
- More genes are being identified as being specifically linked to autism. Slightly over 100 gene variants are now known to be associated with ASD. Singling out the genes and figuring out their functions can help uncover the mysteries surrounding ASD.
- The shape of one’s neocortex might reveal autism diagnosis. The neocortex is the part of the brain that engages in the higher processing. Research has found that its shape could alert physicians into knowing whether or not a person is at risk for autism.
- Experiencing a fever during pregnancy can increase a baby’s chances of having autism. High fevers could cause inflammation within the body of the pregnant mother, and the inflammation could slow the development of the baby’s blood vessels, which can impact the baby’s brain development.
How is autism diagnosed: What's new?
In general, diagnosing ASD can occur through close observations of a child, and assessments should be held by the child’s pediatrician or medical doctor. In recent years, these procedures haven’t changed. Most, if not all, babies are still checked for autism by their doctor during their 18-month and 24-month wellness checks. Developmental behaviors such as how a child responds to imaginative play, how they react to change, or whether or not they make eye contact remain effective ways of noting whether your child is experiencing early signs of ASD.
Additionally, a new study shows how autism could be identified by a strand of hair. With 80% accuracy, the analysis of hair can identify ASD. This research led by LinusBio creates an opportunity for doctors to identify autism before early physical signs appear.
“The problem with autism is it’s diagnosed at the age of 4 on average. By that time, so much brain development has already happened,” Manish Arora, the CEO of LinusBio, told NBC News. “We want to enable early intervention.”
If the analysis of a hair strand can detect whether or not a child has autism, then interventions can start prior to a child turning one. New research for early detection can change the way that autism impacts a person’s life, and it can empower parents by letting them know how they can work with and accommodate their child before developmental behaviors set in.
What is the rate of autism in the U.S.?
Over the past few decades, the rate of ASD has risen. In 2016, the rate of autism in the U.S. was 1 in 54 children, and now, according to the CDC, that number is 1 in 44.
The increase is due to a variety of unnamed reasons. What research does know is that the increase is largely due to the knowledge of autism widening. With more information being uncovered about autism, the ability to diagnose it has become more accessible. Now parents, teachers, and caregivers know to look for indicators such as lack of eye contact as the baby develops.
We might not yet know what causes autism, and we may not have a full understanding of why the numbers keep climbing, but parents have a wide variety of resources to access if they suspect their child has autism. Intervention services mixed with attentive parenting and lots of love give children a strong start.
*Disclaimer: The advice on Mom.com is not a substitute for consultation with a medical professional or treatment for a specific condition. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem without consulting a qualified professional. Please contact your health-care provider with questions and concerns.
