AUTISM

FACTS

• Children with autism carry twice as many new and damaging genetic mutations as typically developing children.
• The syndrome is caused by the loss of FMRP.
• FMRP is a protein that controls the translation of genes into proteins at the synapse, or junction between neurons.
• About two dozen genes on that long list are hit by spontaneous mutations in some children with autism.

STUDIES

• The study also showed that the parents are much less likely to carry killer mutations in the FMRP.
• FMRP is involved in a huge family of genes with many complex roles in the brain.
• Wigler estimates that about 350 genes will be linked to autism.
• Previously-held perception says older mothers are more likely to have children with autism.

HOW AUTISM IS DIAGNOSED

• no babbling or pointing by age 1.
• no single words by 16 months or two-word phrases by age 2.
• no response to name .
• no smiling or social responsiveness.

CAUSES OF AUTISM

• Scientists aren’t certain about what causes ASD.
• it’s likely that both genetics and environment play a role.
• Studies of people with ASD have found irregularities in several regions of the brain.
• Other studies suggest that people with ASD have abnormal levels of serotonin or other neurotransmitters in the brain.

INHERITANCE ROLE

• Twin and family studies strongly suggest that some people have a genetic predisposition to autism.
• In families with one child with ASD, the risk of having a second child with the disorder is approximately 5 percent
• Evidence also suggests that some emotional disorders, such as bipolar disorder, occur more frequently than average in the families of people with ASD.
• Researchers are looking for clues about which genes contribute to this increased susceptibility.

HOW IS IT TREATED?

• There is no cure for ASDs.
• Therapies and behavioral interventions are designed to remedy specific symptoms and can bring about substantial improvement.
• Medications: Doctors may prescribe medications for treatment of specific autism-related symptoms, such as anxiety, depression,
• Other therapies: There are a number of controversial therapies or interventions available, but few, if any, are supported by scientific studies.