Autism

Autism affects the amygdala, cerebellum, and multiple other parts of the brain.

Autism is a type of pervasive developmental disorder. It is characterized by difficulties with social interaction; difficulties with verbal communication, especially pragmatic language; difficulty processing nonverbal communication such as facial expression; intense, narrow interests; difficulty adjusting to changes in routine; and repetitive behaviors. Other signs include lack of eye contact, delayed or unusual play skills, hypo- or hyper-sensitivity to sensory stimuli, and anxiety.[1] It is usually detected by the time a child is four years old but in some cases, autism goes unnoticed into adulthood. There are many intelligent and talented autistic individuals.[2] The term autism was first used in 1912.

Diagnoses of autism has increased from 1:10,000 in 1988 to as high as 1 in 150 people,[3] and it has been rising. Four times as many boys suffer from autism as girls.[4] Among boys, 1 in 94 has the disorder. In New Jersey, which has the highest rate in the nation, 1 in every 60 boys has autism and 1 in every 94 children is affected. There is a seizure disorder in about one-third of those who have autism.[4]

Autism is said to exist on a "spectrum;" that is, there is a wide range of how this disorder affects people. Other pervasive developmental disorders on the "autism spectrum" include Asperger's syndrome, Pervasive Developmental Disorder - Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS), Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, and Rett's Syndrome. There are many degrees of functioning in individuals with autism. Because of this, all individuals diagnosed with autism will not exhibit the same characteristics, or exhibit them to the same degree.

Autism was first identified clinically in 1943 by Dr. Leo Kanner. Dr. Hans Asperger, in collusion with the Nazi Party, also did some research into autism at about the same time and discovered Asperger's syndrome. As early as the 1990s, many intervention strategies, including Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA therapy), were used to treat autism or mitigate its symptoms. The effectiveness of ABA therapy is disputed.

Autism (especially high-functioning autism and Asperger syndrome) rights are promoted by the neurodiversity movement. The autism rights movement, also known as the autistic acceptance movement, is a social movement within the context of disability rights that emphasizes a neurodiversity paradigm, viewing the autism spectrum as a result of natural variations in the human brain rather than as a disease to be cured.

## Contents

* 1 How does autism develop?
* 1.1 Low rate of autism among the Amish
* 1.2 Maternal obesity
* 1.3 Other physical Factors: Additional information
* 1.4 Genetics
* 2 Signs and Symptoms
* 3 Interventions and Treatments
* 4 Homeschooling
* 5 Autism and vaccinations: is there a link?
* 6 See also
* 7 References
* 8 External links

## How does autism develop?[edit]

In the United States, reports of autism cases per 1,000 children grew dramatically from 1996 to 2007. It is unknown how much, if any, of that growth came from changes in autism's actual prevalence.[5]

In 2011, Jonathan Rabinovitz published in Scope, a publication of Stanford Medicine: "Autism has sometimes been described as a disease of industrialized high-technology societies."[6] For example, evidence suggest that environmental toxins are a causal factor of autism.[7] See also: Causes of Autism - Mayo Clinic.

In 2013, the Washington Times said about the causes of autism: "The causes of autism are not understood, and recent studies have found associations between childhood autism and multiple births, preterm births, low birthweights, maternal obesity, having a full sibling with autism and having older parents."[8]

Although there have been no formal epidemiological studies, the evidence suggests that autism is rare in the economically developing continent of Africa and mainly exists within elite families.[6][9] In addition, the traditional African diet is healthier than many Western World invividuals' diets and Africa has some of the lowest obesity rates in the world.[10] Furthermore, Africa is a religious continent with high birth rates.

### Low rate of autism among the Amish[edit]

The American Amish have a low autism rate which may be due to their healthy and simple lifestyle, their genetic makeup or both.[11] Due to their high levels of physical activity, the Amish have low rates of obesity.[12]

David N. Brown indicated: "In March 2006, Drs. Kevin Strauss, Holmes Morton and others documented 9 autistic Amish children, which could raise the autism rate of the Lancaster Amish community Olmsted supposedly investigated to almost 1/5,000 which is still a fraction of the US average of 1/68."[13][14][15]

### Maternal obesity[edit]

Case Adams, N.D. declared:

“  |  Recent research from the University of California at Davis has found autism to be linked with the accumulation of toxins within fat cells. This finding corresponds with previous research linking autism to immunosuppression, toxin antibodies and environmental exposures for the mother, which links to toxicity and immunosuppression.

The new research, led by Paula Krakowiak, PhD candidate, analyzed 1,000 children and found that autism was 67% more likely among children from obese mothers.[16]

|  ”

|
|

### Other physical Factors: Additional information[edit]

The Autism Society says, "Researchers are investigating problems during pregnancy or delivery as well as environmental factors, such as viral infections, metabolic imbalances, and exposure to environmental chemicals." [1]

There are claims that environmental toxins increase the risk of autism, just as they increase the risk of cancer. New Jersey has the highest rate of cancer in the nation, presumably due to a heavy concentration of environmental toxins, and it also has the highest rate of autism. Autistic patients are observed to have higher levels of metals and other toxins.

### Genetics[edit]

Some experts suspect that there is a genetic susceptibility to autism.[17][18][19][20][21] The genetics of this condition are not fully understood; perhaps caused by complex interactions between multiple genes which would account for the "spectrum" like differences in the severity of many cases [22][23]

Simon Baron-Cohen, director of the Autism Research Centre at the University of Cambridge (U.K.) says that males and females are hardwired for different behavior, with boys tending to be stronger at mechanics, categorizing and systemizing information, mathematics, etc. and girls stronger at emotionalizing and empathizing. He has proposed that autism is merely an extreme version of the male brain type, in which the (female) urge to empathize is nearly absent and the brain is almost entirely hardwired for the (male) tasks of systemizing.[24]

Leo Kanner in a 1949 paper identified "parental coldness" and a "lack of maternal warmth" in the parents of autistic children, leading to the term refrigerator mother. The theory here is autism is caused by incomplete socialization during early childhood because of emotionally cold parents. The book Toxic Psychiatry by Peter Briggin notes that the frigid mother theory of autism was abandoned in recent years due to pressure groups.[25]

Lenny Schafer, editor of the Schafer Autism Report, rejects outright the current characterization of mild social retardation (such as "Asperger's syndrome") as forms of autism. He notes that autism is a disability, and if a person is not disabled from participation in society by their condition, in such areas as being able to hold a job or communicate, including communication over the Internet, they are not autistic and should not be diagnosed as such. He accordingly rejects that there can be such a thing as autistic self-advocacy, as anyone who is truly autistic would not have that ability.[26] This view is highly controversial in the field, and has led to the development of the "autistic spectrum" to better characterize and diagnose autism and autism-like disorders.

Wired magazine has referred to autism as a "geek syndrome", or essentially as a form of identity-politics-for-computer-nerds.[27] Those favoring this interpretation of autism have coined new terminology, including "neurodiversity" for a population with and without autistic individuals, and using the term "neurotypical" for those without autism.

## Signs and Symptoms[edit]

The autism-spectrum quotient is a questionnaire published by Simon Baron-Cohen and his coworkers at the Autism Research Centre in Cambridge, UK. The questionnaire consists of fifty questions and aims to determine whether adults of average intelligence have symptoms of autism or one of the other autism spectrum conditions.[28]

According to the DSM-IV, autism is characterized by the following:

1\. A significant impairment is social interactions.

a. Impaired non-verbal communication.
b. Failure to develop age-appropriate social relationships
c. Lack of emotional reciprocity

2\. Impaired communication.

a. Delay or lack of age-appropriate verbal communication.
b. If speech development is age-appropriate, an impaired ability to initiate or sustain conversation.
c. Repetitive or idiosyncratic speech patterns.
d. Absence of, or significantly reduced engagement in, age-appropriate social play.

3\. Repetitive, stereotyped, or "obsessive" behavior.

a. Abnormal preoccupation with a limited interest or interests.
b. Abnormal adherence to behavioral routines and rituals.
c. Repetitive mannerisms or movements.

4\. Bedwetting is particularly prevalent in children who have autism spectrum.[29]

## Interventions and Treatments[edit]

* Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) - This is a behavioral intervention which applies the study of behavioral analysis, as well as the tools of this study, toward assisting behaviors of social significance in individuals of many different populations, including children with autism.[30] Applied behavior analysis is used to increase positive behaviors, decrease interfering behaviors, maintain positive behaviors, teach new skills, and generalize new positive behaviors across many different settings, not just in a restrictive classroom or therapy setting. Therapists begin by observing the behaviors of the individual, focusing on skills and behaviors to reinforce or teach, and identifying interfering behaviors to be minimized. They then develop an intervention plan to reinforce the positive behaviors and skills, by using a system of rewards when the individual receiving the therapy exhibits the behavior that the therapist wants to observe. As the individual incorporates more positive behaviors, the therapist may decrease or change the reinforcement as necessary. However, some critics have said it can be harmful.

* Developmental, Individual difference and Relationship-based (DIR/Floortime) model - This is a relationship-based intervention, developed by Dr. Stanley Greenspan, which focuses on developing a connection with the individual with autism, emphasizing the role his or her interests, emotions, and preferences play in developing an effective treatment.[31] This model emphasizes individual differences in children with autism, and requires caregivers and therapists to approach each child accordingly. It begins with understanding the child's developmental stage, understanding the ways in which the child understands and learns information and processes sensory stimuli, and developing relationships between the child and his or her caregivers and therapists, who tailor their affect and interactions to the child's needs. This model especially emphasizes the importance of parents and caregivers in the process of their child's treatment, because of their unique relationship to the child.

* Treatment and Education of Autistic and related Communication-handicapped CHildren (TEACCH) - This approach was developed in the early 1970s by Eric Schopler and colleagues, and focuses on skil development, as well as fulfillment of human needs such as communication, social interaction, increasing feelings of safety and reducing anxiety, and engaging in productive and enjoyable activities.[32] The principles of the TEACCH method of intervention include: understanding the "culture" of autism (what characterizes individuals with autism, such as their thinking patterns and behaviors), developing an individualized approach to intervention for each individual, structuring the physical environment for effective learning, and using visual supports to assist in understanding and retaining routines, structures, and schedules, as well as to make individual tasks understandable.

## Homeschooling[edit]

As with many other children with special needs, homeschooling autistic children can provide a special environment which allows them to flourish.

http://homeschooling.gomilpitas.com/weblinks/autism.htm

A large body of assistance is available for parents who wish to homeschool their autistic children, including here on Conservapedia.

## Autism and vaccinations: is there a link?[edit]

On April 29, 2019, in a speech on the floor of the Louisiana State Senate, John Milkovich, a strongly pro-life Democrat from Shreveport, flatly declared that vaccinations are linked to autism. In his remarks, Milkovich recalled that “autism did not exist” when he was growing up in Montana: "Did you know tissue from aborted babies is now used in vaccines. Did you know that vaccines use aluminum, which is shown to be a neurotoxin? Did you know vaccines in America [are] preserved often with mercury, which is beyond neurotoxic?”[33] Dr. Joe Kanter, the assistant state health officer, disputed Milkovich's claim as "a myth." Kanter said that the issue of autism and vaccination has been “incredibly well studied”, and no correlation has been found.[33]

## See also[edit]

* Evidence of Harm
* Asperger syndrome
* Symptoms of autism
* Autism Society of America
* Neurodiversity

## References[edit]

1. ↑ http://www.webmd.com/brain/autism/development-disorder?page=2
2. ↑ Temple Grandin, "Thinking in Pictures, Expanded Edition: My Life with Autism" amazon link https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0307275655/ref=wl_it_dp/103-3432247-4184629?ie=UTF8&coliid=I1CWNFSEUCIXQL&colid=49VN3HJC5OQK
3. ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/faq_prevalence.htm
4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 http://www.iupui.edu/~psycdept/autism/autism.htm
5. ↑
* Prevalence and changes in diagnostic practice:Fombonne E. The prevalence of autism. JAMA. 2003;289(1):87–9.
* Wing L, Potter D. The epidemiology of autistic spectrum disorders: is the prevalence rising? Ment Retard Dev Disabil Res Rev. 2002;8(3):151–61.
6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 Autism in Africa?, Jonathan Rabinovitz published in Scope, a publication of Stanford Medicine, 2011
7. ↑ Autism and Toxic Chemicals: Are Pollutants Fueling Rising Prevalence?
8. ↑ Autism rates rise in U.S., plateau in U.K.
9. ↑ Out of Africa and Into Autism: More Evidence Illuminates the Somali Anomaly in Minnesota, By Mark F. Blaxill, AgeofAutism.com website (I don't agree with the anti-vaccine portion of the article)
10. ↑
* World's fattest countries
* Traditional African diets are healthier than Western diets, Today's Nutrition
11. ↑
* 4 healthy habits to steal from the Amish, Fox News Health, December 04, 2014
* "Amish Have Lower Rates of Cancer, Ohio State Study Shows". Columbus, OH: Ohio State University Medical Center. January 1, 2010. Retrieved January 6, 2010.
* Puffenberger, EG; Jinks, RN; Wang, H; Xin, B; Fiorentini, C; Sherman, EA; Degrazio, D; Shaw, C; Sougnez, C; Cibulskis, K; Gabriel, S; Kelley, RI; Morton, DH; Strauss, KA (Dec 2012). "A homozygous missense mutation in HERC2 associated with global developmental delay and autism spectrum disorder". Human Mutation 33 (12): 1639–1646
* Jackman, C; Horn, ND; Molleston, JP; Sokol, DK (Apr 2009). "Gene associated with seizures, autism, and hepatomegaly in an Amish girl". Pediatric Neurology 40 (4): 310–313.
* Alarcón, Maricela; Abrahams, Brett S.; Stone, Jennifer L.; Duvall, Jacqueline A.; Perederiy, Julia V.; Bomar, Jamee M.; Sebat, Jonathan; Wigler, Michael; Martin, Christa L.; Ledbetter, David H.; Nelson, Stanley F.; Cantor, Rita M.; Geschwind, Daniel H. (10 January 2008). "Linkage, Association, and Gene-Expression Analyses Identify CNTNAP2 as an Autism-Susceptibility Gene". American Journal of Human Genetics 82 (1): 150–159
12. ↑
* 4 healthy habits to steal from the Amish, Fox News Health, December 04, 2014
13. ↑ Puffenberger, EG; Jinks, RN; Wang, H; Xin, B; Fiorentini, C; Sherman, EA; Degrazio, D; Shaw, C; Sougnez, C; Cibulskis, K; Gabriel, S; Kelley, RI; Morton, DH; Strauss, KA (Dec 2012). "A homozygous missense mutation in HERC2 associated with global developmental delay and autism spectrum disorder". Human Mutation 33 (12): 1639–1646
14. ↑ Jackman, C; Horn, ND; Molleston, JP; Sokol, DK (Apr 2009). "Gene associated with seizures, autism, and hepatomegaly in an Amish girl". Pediatric Neurology 40 (4): 310–313.
15. ↑ Alarcón, Maricela; Abrahams, Brett S.; Stone, Jennifer L.; Duvall, Jacqueline A.; Perederiy, Julia V.; Bomar, Jamee M.; Sebat, Jonathan; Wigler, Michael; Martin, Christa L.; Ledbetter, David H.; Nelson, Stanley F.; Cantor, Rita M.; Geschwind, Daniel H. (10 January 2008). "Linkage, Association, and Gene-Expression Analyses Identify CNTNAP2 as an Autism-Susceptibility Gene". American Journal of Human Genetics 82 (1): 150–159
16. ↑ Autism Linked to Toxin Exposure During Pregnancy
17. ↑ http://healthland.time.com/2011/06/09/studies-new-clues-to-the-genetic-roots-of-autism/
18. ↑ https://www.foxnews.com/health/2011/08/11/autism-adhd-share-genetic-similarities/
19. ↑ https://www.latimes.com/health/la-he-autism-20110815,0,3154651.story
20. ↑ Happé F, Ronald A. The 'fractionable autism triad': a review of evidence from behavioural, genetic, cognitive and neural research. Neuropsychol Rev. 2008;18(4):287–304
21. ↑ Freitag CM. The genetics of autistic disorders and its clinical relevance: a review of the literature. Mol Psychiatry. 2007;12(1):2–22. doi:10.1038/sj.mp.4001896. PMID 17033636
22. ↑ http://66.102.1.104/scholar?hl=en&lr=&q=cache:7kMNqvTgRtoJ:www.ikhebeenvraag.be/mediastorage/FSDocument/52/Freitag-2.pdf+
23. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17764594
24. ↑ Baron-Cohen, Simon. The Essential Difference, Basic Books 2003.
25. ↑ Briggin, Peter R. Toxic Psychiatry, New York: St. Martin's Press, 1991.
26. ↑ http://www.sarnet.org/
27. ↑ https://www.wired.com/wired/archive/9.12/aspergers_pr.html
28. ↑ Woodbury-Smith MR, Robinson J, Wheelwright S, Baron-Cohen S (2005). "Screening adults for Asperger Syndrome using the AQ: a preliminary study of its diagnostic validity in clinical practice" (PDF). J Autism Dev Disord 35 (3): 331–5.
29. ↑ Behavioral Treatment of Bedwetting in an Adolescent with Autism, Journal of Developmental and Physical Disabilities, June 2013, Volume 25, Issue 3, pp 313–323
30. ↑ http://www.centerforautism.com/getting_started/aba.asp
31. ↑ http://www.icdl.com/dirFloortime/overview/index.shtml
32. ↑ http://www.teacch.com/whatis.html
33. ↑ 33.0 33.1 Sam Karlin (April 29, 2019). Louisiana senator links vaccines, autism on Senate floor; officials say 'myth' causes measles resurgence. The Baton Rouge Advocate. Retrieved on April 30, 2019.

## External links[edit]

1. http://www.autismdigest.com/
2. http://www.nationalautismassociation.org/
3. http://www.autism-society.org/site/PageServer
4. http://www.autismlink.com/
5. Opposing Views: Are Autism and Vaccines Linked?
6. Neurodiversity - An Incredible Resource for Autism Related Information
7. http://homeschoolaustralia.com/index/specialneeds.html Homeschooling Australia's Autism Page