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Understanding the Speculations on the Rise of Autism

Writer's picture: Dr. J.J. Tomash Dr. J.J. Tomash
Feb 285 min read

Do you know how many ABA therapy centers there are in the USA? There are thousands. Imagine how many children are treated and assisted to manage autism under those. Statistics state that 1 out of 36 children have been diagnosed with the condition, indicating a large number of masses affected out there. The numbers today are a witness to the spike of 175% cases of autism.


It brings us to the question of what is causing a rise in the cases of autism spectrum disorder. Something more frightening than this rise in autism cases is the unresolved hypothesis.  The ideal way to create the theories is to unveil them. 

In this post, let us understand the rise of autism in detail to get clarity and find effective ways to manage it.


Understanding the Speculations on the Rise of Autism


Understanding Autism 


Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder. It affects the way an individual behaves, communicates, and socializes. It was first diagnosed in 1943, with Donald Gray Triplett being the first case ever. In the years before them, autism was also seen as a manifestation of schizophrenia. Autism was described through different terms. Fortunately, today, we have clarity on what autism is. 


How Has Autism Become More Prevalent? 


Reportedly, more and more cases of autism have come to light in the past decades. The rising rates of autism have a connection with the widespread screening and extensive behaviors manifested with this condition. Multiple conditions were presented under the umbrella term of autism spectrum disorder. In the coming section, let us shed some light on the possible reasons behind the increase in cases of autism. 


Different Criteria for Diagnosis


The past years have witnessed an increase in the diagnostic guidelines for autism spectrum disorder. This has allowed us to pay more attention to people with lesser support needs. These include the ones that were less prioritized earlier or provided with a different diagnosis.

Risen Awareness


There has been a rise in the awareness of autism in the past years. This has contributed to an increase in the number of cases diagnosed. In fact, around 2007, pediatricians were recommended to include standard screening for children from 18-24 months of age. 


Better Screening Procedures 


Presently, we have access to better and more effective screening methods. This has facilitated a more effective identification of symptoms in individuals with autism. There are no medical tests, but the child’s behavior and developmental history are considered for diagnosis.


What Causes Autism?

Understanding the causes of an illness is said to be essential to crafting the strategies for its targeted treatment. Though we have programs like Applied Behavior Analysis to offer a treatment plan, there is still a need to understand the cause. Today, the exact single cause behind it is still unknown. However, there are many possible factors contributing to the condition. In this coming part of the post, let us focus on some of them. 


It is said that autism can result from a combination of factors. The common among them are:


Genetic Factors


We need more evidence to understand the specific causes of autism. However, there are traces that the genome might be responsible for 60-70% of the risk of the condition. It increases the likelihood of having another child with autism if one of your children already has it. Additionally, many genes are related to autism spectrum disorder. In many cases, genetic disorders like Fragile X syndrome or Rett syndrome are connected with autism. Other genes can impact how an individual’s brain communicates or results in these symptoms. 


Environmental Aspects

Several studies have proposed an angle in understanding environmental factors as a possible cause of autism. These can include the advanced parental age (APA) around the conception. Obesity, immune disorders, and diabetes from the maternal side can also be responsible. The other causes can be prenatal exposure to certain pesticides. If the child’s brain is deprived of oxygen during birth, it might become another possible environmental factor.  Similarly, lower-weight birth or premature birth can be called a common cause.


Are Vaccines Responsible?


Speculations have always been responsible for the way we see certain things. Considering vaccines accountable for autism is one of them. Many studies have been performed presenting no relationship between vaccination and autism. However, skipping vaccinations can cause real damage. Instead, the claims on vaccinations being responsible for autism were poorly structured and created out of unreliable methods of research. 

Are Parenting Methods Responsible?

It’s true that parenting methods can shape a child’s personality. Lack of discipline or emotional neglect can have adverse effects. However, the connection between bad parenting and autism is completely irrelevant. On the contrary, parental behavior can play a role in supporting development among autistic children. Parents can step in with positive practices and seek professional services beforehand. 

Can a Child Get Autism After Being Born?

There have been enough studies and research demonstrating that one develops autism before they’re born. From environmental to genetic, many factors are involved, which we have discussed earlier. Yet, there have been speculations on multiple factors responsible for it. Many have believed diet to be the possible cause, but in reality, it is not. The diet of a mother during her pregnancy might have a role, but what the child is fed cannot result in autism.


Is the Screentime Responsible for Developing Autism?

There have been studies on the connection between excess screen time and autism-like symptoms. A study stated better language development in children considering the high-quality screen exposure while it also addressed its adverse effects. It can be stated that screen time can influence a child’s cognitive, psychological, emotional, and social development. However, we need more evidence to establish the direct relationship between screen time and autism spectrum disorder. 


Early Intervention and Autism 


A child with autism can show symptoms in their early years. It opens better opportunities to manage sensory experiences and promote skill development at an earlier age. Initial years are known to be crucial in laying a strong foundation for a child. With the right strategies, such as reinforcement, a child can have a clear and better social, emotional, and cognitive development. 


Conclusion


This post has come to an end. The readers were brought to the understanding of autism, its possible causes, and speculations. Following that, it is safe to say autism in a child may develop from genetic and environmental factors. There have been speculations connecting autism spectrum disorder with vaccinations and parenting methods. However, several studies have shown these to be mere hypotheses with no actual traces. 


Regardless of the causes, there are treatment options to help a child lead a better and promising tomorrow. One of them is Applied Behavior Analysis, an evidence-based practice. At BehaviorSpan, we offer Denver the ABA therapy centered around reinforcing positive behaviors in a child.   


You can reach our team of experienced behavior analysts for early intervention practices with ABA. With it, we aim to help you and your child thrive. ABA can promote pro-social behavior, support emotional and social development, and work on enhancing communication skills. 


At BehaviorSpan, our practices are centered around providing individualized and intensive care to every child we assist in their growth. Reach us today. 


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