There has been a dramatic rise in the number of autism cases in the United States. About 1 in every 110 children is diagnosed with autism. It is not surprising that the causes of this rise are unknown due to the nature of the disorder. Children with autism are very different from each other. There is a multitude of disorders under the umbrella that we call autism spectrum disorders. The one thing that researchers and epidemiologists are confident about is the lack of correlation between autism and vaccinations. According to researchers and epidemiologist at the M.I.N.D. institute, autism probably has a number of genetic and environmental causes, but current vaccinations have not statistically shown correlation to autism cases. While there are more that 20 different genes said to be connected with autism, each of those only effects about 1- 2% of the autistic population. On the other hand, an opposing hunch is that lots of things that are environmentally overwhelming our ability to cope metabolically, thus depleting our protective systems and, perhaps, causing autism. The truth remains to be seen.
The Truth About Autism
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As I was reading your post, I was hoping you'd bring up the vaccination bit... and you did! I can't believe one researcher's feigned findings created such an overwhelming urban myth. While there are a number of environmental factors that could be the culprits for increased autism (plastic, anyone?), there is no legitimate evidence linking autism to vaccines.
I have quite an interest in autism because I have a 2nd cousin who was diagnosed with mild autism, a cousin diagnosed with a condition related to it (asbergers, I believe...though my spelling may be wrong), and I have a nephew who possibly has it. Though cause is unknown, there are emerging treatments. My 2nd cousin was enrolled in a special school that helped her improve her social interaction skills, and most people don't even recognize she has autism. I have also heard of a diet that is gluten-free and casein-free that has reportedly helped some (check out http://www.webmd.com/brain/autism/gluten-free-casein-free-diets-for-autism if you're interested).
What is slowing the process of finding a treatment? Obviously there are probably many problems as there are with any other disease but it would be interesting to know how close researchers think they are to finding a cure for autism. Also, do researchers think that the impact of technology and globalization on the way we live have any effect on causing autism? Could that be a reason to why it seems as if more people are diagnosed today?
I think that research in this area will continue to grow as our understanding of the impact of our genes has on our health. Maybe someday genetic counselors will know how to intervene in the early stages of development. At the same time, I wonder if parents would want to treat their child in this case. I don't know enough about autism to know how it affects an individual's daily life but I know that many people learn to function in society with physical and mental counseling.
I do not know a whole lot about autism but I wonder why there is such a rise in it? It seems like it is a somewhat current topic and I wonder why there hasn't been a "cure" yet. Obviously autism is affecting a lot of people if 1/110 children are born with it and I hope there is a lot of research being done because the chances if anyone at least knowing someone with it is really likely.
That is very interesting that autism is rising, because we have so much more technology and cures for diseases. I feel autism needs to be looked at more in depth so people can understand the underlying cause. Genes are a very complex thing and the information about them are ever changing. You did a good job explaining the little that is known though. Good job!
I find it very interesting that such an impactful disorder has yet so many unanswered questions and that there are 20 genes said to be connected with the disorder.