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Yamelle Gonzalez
Professor Alexander Smith
English II
11 May 2019

The Recent Research on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

What causes it? Is there any cure? Has it increased?

As stated by Christian Nordqvist, writer from Medical News Today, Autism Spectrum

Disorder is known to be a complex developmental disability. Autism is a result of a Neurological

Disorder that affects the brain functions. This leads to an unusual development of the person's´

communication, learning and social skills. It has become a quite consistent problem in the

population of the United States and the United Kingdom. The population of both U.S and U.K

are astonished and terrified by the increased of newborns with the Autism Spectrum Disorder.

An even more disturbing fact is that even with the recent advance in technology much is

unknown for this particular disorder (Nordqvist, 2015).

Michael Wasmer, Discrete Video Modeling, DACVIM Associative Director, Kansas’

State Government Affairs Autism Speaks informs the society about “What is Autism”? He stated

Autism is a medical condition, brought on through no fault of the family. Autism affects a

person’s communication abilities and social skills, and often causes repetitive patterns of

behavior and a narrow range of interests. Its symptoms range from mild to severe (Wasmer,

2013).
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According to Jane Gross, writer from The New York Times, "No disability claims more

parental time and energy than autism because teaching an autistic child even simple tasks is labor

intensive, and managing challenging behavior requires vigilance". Also, he explained that

autistic children could be indifferent to loving overtures, which are painful to siblings, some of

whom must literally show a brother or sister how to hug. Finally, some autistic children have

uncontrollable tantrums that may destroy the belongings of others and behave in peculiar ways,

which can be frightening or embarrassing to siblings and create an environment of

unpredictability similar to that in families with an alcoholic member (Gross, 2004).

Autism was defined as a severe neurodevelopmental disorder known to have many

different etiologies. (Benvenuto, Moavero, Alessandrelli, Manzi, Curatolo, 2009) Catherine Rice

behavioral scientist at the National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities at the

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that the autism spectrum disorders

(ASDs) are a group of developmental disabilities characterized by atypical development in

socialization, communication, and behavior. ASDs typically are apparent before age three years,

with associated impairments affecting multiple areas of a person’s life. Because no biological

marker exists for ASDs, professionals who evaluate a child’s developmental progress to identify

the presence of developmental disorders make identification (Rice, 2009).

Medical professionals and academies such as the American Academy of Pediatrics have

recommended screening every child for autism at their 18, 24 and 30 or 36 month checkups, This

in order to reduce to its minimum the complications´ a person with Autism Spectrum Disorder

may suffer. Also to ensure the people´s that suffer the syndrome receive the special treatment

they may require. Autism is diagnosed by a medical doctor; usually by a developmental

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pediatrician, psychologist, pediatric neurologist or team of developmental specialists (Warmer,

2013).

Philip Landrigan, a member of the faculty of Mount Sinai School of Medicine and one

of the world's leading advocates of children's health, defines Autism as a biologically based

disorder of brain development. Landrigan makes people aware of reasons that autism may be for

Genetic factors, mutations and deletions are clearly implicated in the causation of autism. He

states, however, they account for only a small fraction of cases, and do not easily explain key

clinical and epidemiological features. This suggests that early environmental exposures also

contribute (Landrigan, 2010).

Landrigan also reports on his recent findings that indirect evidence for an environmental

contribution to autism comes from studies demonstrating the sensitivity of the developing brain

to external exposures such as lead, ethyl alcohol and methyl mercury. But the most powerful

proof-of-concept evidence derives from studies specifically linking autism to exposures in early

pregnancy – thalidomide, misoprostol, and valproic acid; maternal rubella infection; and the

organophosphate insecticide, chlorpyrifos. There is no credible evidence that vaccines cause

autism (Landrigan, 2010).

Dr. Landrigan work summarized a brief resume of its work. This summary was published

in 2010 and he expanded his research and declared that is necessary the environmental causation

of autism. Children today are surrounded by thousands of synthetic chemicals. Two hundred of

them are neurotoxic in adult humans, and 1000 more in laboratory models. Yet fewer than 20%

of high-volume chemicals have been tested for neurodevelopmental toxicity. From his research,
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Phillip L. proposed a targeted discovery strategy focused on suspect chemicals, which combines

expanded toxicological screening, neurobiological research and prospective epidemiological

studies (Landrigan, 2010).

Dr. Paul A. Offit of Infectious Diseases at The Children´s Hospital of Philadelphia

researched about an ongoing debate about if vaccinations have an influence on the Autism

Spectrum Disorder. In his article “Vaccines and Autism: a tale of shifting hypotheses" he wrote

although child vaccination rates remain high, some parental concern persists that vaccines might

cause autism. Three specific hypotheses have been proposed:

"(1) the combination measles-mumps-rubella vaccine causes autism by damaging

the intestinal lining, which allows the entrance of encephalopathic proteins; (2)

thimerosal, an ethylmercury-containing preservative in some vaccines, is toxic to

the central nervous system; and (3) the simultaneous administration of multiple

vaccines overwhelms or weakens the immune system" (Offit, 2009).

Dr. Benvenuto, Dr. Moavero, Dr. Alessandreli, Dr. Manzi and Dr. Curatolo who have

recent advances in the pathogenesis of syndromic autisms, assemble their comprehension

towards this disorder in order to try to solve, if genetics is the reason why autism occurs or not.

Their article explains the result of their investigation, which was Genetic syndromes, defined

mutations, and metabolic diseases account for less than 20% of autistic patients. Alterations of

the neocortical excitatory/inhibitory balance and perturbations of interneurons’ development

represent the most probable pathogenetic mechanisms underlying the autistic phenotype in

fragile X syndrome and tuberous sclerosis complex. Chromosomal abnormalities and potential
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candidate genes are strongly implicated in the disruption of neural connections, brain growth and

synaptic/dendritic morphology. Metabolic and mitochondrial defects may have toxic effects on

the brain cells, causing neuronal loss and altered modulation of neurotransmission systems

(Benvenuto, Moavero, Alessandrelli, Manzi, & Curatolo, 2009).

The conclusion that these scientists examined was that a wide assortment of cytogenetic

variations from the norm has been recently portrayed, especially in the low functioning

individuals with dysmorphic features. Routine metabolic screening studies should be performed

in the presence of autistic regression or suggestive clinical findings. As the investigation of the

cause or reason of autism is progressively discovered, the number of individuals with a

spontaneous origin of autism will progressively shrink. Investigations of hereditary and

ecological adjusted epigenetic components are starting to give a few insights to illuminate the

complexities of a mental imbalance pathogenesis or advancement. The role of the

neuropediatrician will be to understand the neurological basis of autism, and to identify more

homogeneous subgroups with specific biologic markers (Benvenuto, Moavero, Alessandrelli,

Manzi, & Curatolo, 2009).

A question asked by many but answer by few was the one the neurologists Alessandria

M, Thorp D, Mundy P. and Tuchman RF attempted to ask by writing the outcomes in autism that

are variable but with a significant trend toward a poor prognosis and despite reports that outcome

in individuals with autism may be improving secondary to early intensive interventions, there is

still much to be learned about the natural history and the effects of intervention in autism

spectrum disorders. While there may not be a known cure for autism, there are a number of

viable treatment options available. The primary models of treatment are non-pharmacological
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interventions that include intervention models such as applied behavior analysis, development

and structured teaching. The role of pharmacological interventions is limited to treating specific

symptoms that may be interfering with a child's ability to learn or function within a particular

environment (Alessandri M, Thorp D, Mundy P, & Tuchman RF, 2005).

The topic of whether or not mankind can cure a mental imbalance should be discussed

about, as far as the need to overcome the ineffectively comprehended basic commotion in autism

and the necessity to progress treatment conventions particularly focusing on social deficiencies.

Since at the present time, it is more suitable to talk about the journey to comprehend autism than

it is to discuss a cure (Alessandri M, Thorp D, Mundy P, & Tuchman RF, 2005).

People outside of the medical profession have also, tried to understand autism. Journalists

Eric Barnes and Helen McCabe article "Should We Welcome a Cure for Autism?" shows that

substantial research efforts have been devoted to developing a cure for autism, but some

advocates of people with autism claim that these efforts are misguided and even harmful. They

claim “There is nothing wrong with people with autism, so there is nothing to cure. Others argue

that autism is a serious and debilitating disorder and that a cure for autism would be a wonderful

medical breakthrough. The objective of Eric Barnes and Helen McCabe in this essay is to

evaluate what assumptions underlie each of these positions. By examining the arguments made

on each side, reject those that are implausible and then highlight the key assumptions of those

that remain” (Barnes & McCabe, 2012).

Marissa King and Peter Bearman from the Institute for Social and Economic Research

and Policy at the Columbia University investigated about the prevalence of autism and the results
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were that increased autism prevalence rates have generated a considerable concern. However, the

contributions of the changes in a diagnostic practice are used to increase the prevalence rates that

have not been thoroughly examined (Bearman & King, 2009).

The study of the expansion of autism purpose is, to determine the extent to which the

increased prevalence of this disability in California has been driven by changes in diagnostic

practices, diagnostic substitution and diagnostic accretion. The odds of a patient acquiring an

autism diagnosis were elevated during periods in which the practices for diagnosing autism

changed. Using the probability of change between 1992 and 2005 to generalize to the population

with autism, it is estimated that 26.4% of the increased autism caseload in California is uniquely

associated with diagnostic change through a single pathway—individuals previously diagnosed

with Mental Retardation, Bear Men could deduct that changes in practices for diagnosing autism

have had a substantial effect on autism caseloads, accounting for one-quarter of the observed

increase in prevalence in California between 1992 and 2005 (Bearman & King, 2009).

Craig J. Newschaffer and James G. Gurney both with a doctorate in philosophy, and with

a Mental Health System investigated the prevalence of Autism in the U.S Special Education

Data. Their objectives were that they had received reports of large increases in autism prevalence

have been a matter of great concern to clinicians, educators, and parents. This analysis uses a

national data source to compare the prevalence of autism with that of other disabilities among

successive birth cohorts of US school-aged children (Newschaffer, Gurney, & Falb, 2005).

Their results are shown in their article “Autism Epidemic?” which is that the prevalence of

disability category classifications for annual birth cohorts from 1975 to 1995 were calculated by
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using denominators from US Census Bureau estimates. For the autism classification, there were

birth cohort differences, with prevalence increasing among successive (younger) cohorts. The

increases were greatest for annual cohorts born from 1987 to 1992. For cohorts born after 1992,

the prevalence increased with each successive year, but the increases did not appear to be as

great, although there were fewer data points available within cohorts. No drug abuse decreases in

categories of mental retardation or speech/language impairment were seen. Curves for other

health impairments, the category, including children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder,

also showed strong cohort differences (Yazbak, 2003).

They all reach an overall conclusion in the article, which showed that cohort curves

suggest that autism prevalence has been increasing with time, as evidenced by the higher

prevalence among younger birth cohorts. The narrowing in vertical separation of the cohort

curves in recent years may mark a slowing in the autism prevalence increase (Newschaffer,

Gurney, & Falb, 2005).

In conclusion, Autism Spectrum Disorder is a vastly complex disorder that affects how

the brain functions. Researchers have learned that this disorder leads to impediments as the

individual develops, which will probably expose themselves as complications related to

communication, learning and social skills. There is no dominant cause for autism, although

factors such as environmental contamination, vaccinations and genes are always questioning if

they really are major contributors to autism. There is no legitimate cure for autism; this may be

due to the fact that funds are not abundant enough for research. Research of the prevalence of

autism in the United States and United Kingdom is clear, there is no doubt that the statistics are

on a level that should worry the doctors and community. Recently, there is abundant research
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and resources about Autism Spectrum Disorder, therefore there should be no hesitation that

knowledge will continue to expand and develop with all the research going on currently.
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Works Cited

1. Alessandri, M, Thorp D, Mundy P, and Tuchman RF. "Can We Cure Autism? From

Outcome to Intervention." Neurology Magazine (2005): page 54-55. Print.

2. Barnes, Eric R., and Helen McCabe. "Should We Welcome a Cure for Autism? A Survey

of the Arguments." Medicine, Health Care and Philosophy 15.3 (2012): 255-69. Print.

3. Benvenuto, Arianna, Romina Moavero, Riccardo Alessandrelli, Barbara Manzi, and

Paolo Curatolo. "Syndromic Autism: Causes and Pathogenetic Pathways." World Journal

of Pediatrics 5.3 (2009): pg. 76-169.

4. Caglayan, Ahmet O. "Genetic Causes of Syndromic and Nonsyndromic Autism."

Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology 52.2 (2010): 130-38. Print.

5. Gerber, Jeffrey S., and Paul A. Offit. "Vaccines and Autism: A Tale of Shifting

Hypotheses." Clinical Infectious Diseases 48.4 (2009): 456-61. Print.

6. Gross, Jane. "For Siblings of the Autistic, a Burdened Youth." The New York Times. 10

Dec. 2004. Web. 1 May. 2019. <http://www.nytimes.com/2004/12/10/health/for-siblings-

of-the-autistic-a-burdened-youth.html>.

7. Judith Ursitti, CPA, Lorri Unumb, Esq., and Michael Wasmer, DVM, DACVIM.

"Autism Speaks, It's Time to Listen." Autism. 10 Oct. 2003. Web. 1 May. 2019.

<https://www.autismspeaks.org/sites/default/files/docs/gr/erisa_tool_kit_9.12_0.pdf>.

8. King, Marissa, and Peter Bear Men. "Diagnostic Change and the Increased Prevalence of

Autism." International Journal of Epidemiology 38.5 (2009): 1224-234. Print.

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9. Landrigan, Philip. What Causes Autism? Exploring the Environmental Contribution 22.2

(2010): 45-67. page. Web. 1 May. 2019.

10. Newschaffer, C. J. "National Autism Prevalence Trends From United States Special

Education Data." Pediatrics 115.3 (2005): 277-282. Print.

11. Nordqvist, Christian. "What Is Autism?" Medical News Today. 11 June 2015. Web. 1

May. 2019. http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/info/autism/

12. United States. National Center on Cation Persisted, ASDs Were Being Diagnosed by

Community Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities. National Autism Prevalence.

Trends from United States Special Education Data. By Catherine Rise. Morbidity and

Mortality Weekly Report, 2006. Web. 1 May. 2019.

13. Wasmer, Michael. "In Support of SF 314." Autism Deserves Insurance. Autism Speaks,

22 Mar. 2013. Web. 1 May. 2019.

14. Yazbak, Edward. "Conflicting Reports On Autism Data." Vaccination News. 2003. Web.

1 May. 2019. <http://www.vaccinationnews.org/content/conflicting-reports-autism-data>.