What causes Autism? Understanding Your Child’s Journey
Understanding what causes autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex issue with much ongoing research. It can be a challenging question to wrestle with, one that’s somewhat muddled with misconceptions and misunderstandings. Let’s explore what the current consensus is on possible autism causes and risk factors and discuss how you can support your child’s journey.
The Multifactorial Nature of Autism Causation
There may be a tendency to want to pinpoint a single cause of ASD. The reality, however, is that autism is a very complex condition with a wide range of symptoms and degrees of severity. The consensus is that autism is likely a result of a variety of factors.
Risk Factors for Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism spectrum disorder affects children of all backgrounds and ethnicities. However, certain factors may increase a child’s likelihood of being diagnosed with autism.
Biological and Genetic Risk Factors
Certain biological factors may play a role. According to CDC data, boys are more than three times as likely as girls to be diagnosed with autism. Having a sibling with autism may increase a child’s likelihood of having autism themselves.
Genetic conditions like fragile X syndrome, tuberous sclerosis, or Rett syndrome may increase the risk of autism. In some children, genetic changes known as mutations may increase the likelihood of autism or affect their brain’s development. Some genetic risk factors may be inherited, while others aren’t hereditary.
Parental Age and Birth Factors
It is thought that being born to older parents might be a risk factor for autism, but further research is needed to confirm this link. Certain complications that may occur during the birth process, such as infections, may be risk factors for autism, as may being born prematurely.
It is important to understand that research into the causes of autism is ongoing, and there is much that we do not yet understand clearly.
Common Misconceptions About Autism Causes
Autism spectrum disorder affects children of all backgrounds and ethnicities. However, certain factors may increase a child’s likelihood of being diagnosed with autism.
Vaccines and Autism: The Evidence
One common, controversial belief is that vaccines could cause autism. Many research studies, however, do not indicate a link between any vaccine and autism spectrum disorder. The study that initially suggested a link some years ago was ultimately retracted due to questionable methods and a weak study design.
Parenting Styles Do Not Cause Autism
One misconception points to the parenting style of a mother or both parents as a possible autism cause. It’s important to know this is not supported by research. Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition that begins at an early age. Misconceptions like these can cause a parent to experience unnecessary guilt or other negative emotions.
Advances in Autism Awareness, Diagnosis, and Early Intervention
There is increasingly widespread awareness of autism spectrum disorder among the general public, along with improved screening and diagnostic procedures in the medical field. These are good things when it comes to detecting ASD in children and starting interventions as early in life as possible. Why is early intervention important?
Early Intervention: Why Timing Matters
The first 5 years of life are a time of explosive growth and development for the human brain, by this time a child’s brain is approximately 90% developed. Providing important interventions during this time maximizes a child’s foundation for learning and growth throughout their lives.
How Early Intervention Impacts Outcomes
For this reason, early intervention with therapy, like Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, can have a significant impact on children with autism spectrum disorder. It may give them stronger language and social skills as they get older. They can gain vital life skills that help them grow in independence and enable them to participate in many social situations and environments successfully.
InBloom’s Approach to Early Intervention
At InBloom, we feel strongly about early intervention and the vital role it can play in equipping a child with the social, communication, and life skills they need for a thriving future. We specialize in Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention (EIBI) for children between 18 months and 5 years of age. This is a critical window in their development and a vital time to implement transformative therapy like ABA.
Supporting Your Child: Next Steps
If you’re concerned about possible indications of autism in your child, we invite you to take the next steps with InBloom Autism Services. We’re proud to provide diagnostic evaluations in select areas with our experienced Licensed Psychologist, Dr. Jaqui Otto. If we’re unable to provide a diagnostic assessment in your area, our team can help connect you with a specialist in your area who can provide a trusted evaluation.
To learn more about how early ABA therapy at InBloom can transform your child’s life, contact our helpful, caring team today at 888-754-0398!
