Our Philanthropy: Decoding Darkness

• There are causes of ASD that are unknown, but there are likely many causes of ASD that are known. They include biological, genetic, and environmental factors. According to the CDC, these are the main conclusions:

• Most scientists agree that genes are one of the risk factors that can make a person more likely to develop ASD.

• Children who have a sibling with ASD are at a higher risk of also having ASD.

• Individuals with certain genetic or chromosomal conditions, such as fragile X syndrome or tuberous sclerosis, can have a greater chance of having ASD.

• When taken during pregnancy, the prescription drugs valproic acid and thalidomide have been linked with a higher risk of ASD.

• There is some evidence that the critical period for developing ASD occurs before, during, and immediately after birth.

• Children born to older parents are at a greater risk for having ASD.

• There is currently no cure for ASD. Treatment for ASD entails early intervention treatment services (such as therapy) that can help children (usually from birth to three years old) learn important skills to aid in talking, walking, and interacting with others. There is also treatment for specific symptoms, such as speech therapy for children struggling with speech. 

• Autism is rare

• Vaccines cause Autism

• Idiot-Savant

• Autism can be outgrown

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability that can cause significant social, communication, and behavioral challenges. There are no physical differences between someone with ASD and without ASD. The differences lie in how people with ASD interact, communicate, behave, and learn compared to people without ASD. The learning, thinking, and problem solving skills of those with ASD can range from gifted to severely challenged. 

• The effects and signs of ASD vary from person to person, but according to the CDC, here are a few of the more common signs: 

• Not point at objects to show interest

• Not look at objects when another person points at them

• Have trouble relating to others or not have an interest in other people at all 

• Avoid eye contact and want to be alone

• Have trouble understanding other people’s feelings or talking about their own feelings

• Prefer not to be held or cuddled, or might cuddle only when they want to

• Appear to be unaware when people talk to them, but respond to other sounds

• Be very interested in people, but not know how to talk, play, or relate to them

• Repeat or echo words or phrases said to them, or repeat words or phrases in place of normal language

• Have trouble expressing their needs using typical words or motions

• Not play “pretend” games

• Repeat actions over and over again

• Have trouble adapting when a routine changes

• Have unusual reactions to the way things smell, taste, look, feel, or sound

• Lose skills they once had

• The most common effects are usually difficulties dealing with changes in schedule, speaking and interacting with other people (including things such as having trouble making eye contact), and repetition of specific actions depending on the person.