Causes of Autism Epigenetics Genetics Familial Risk Factors

The current consensus among most researchers is that genetics and environmental factors are playing a major role. However, finding a heritable connection is highly difficult because there are many genotypic variations that may underlie autism. To enhance the process in pinpointing genes contributing to the etiology of autism, scientists are expanding their research by including epigenetics.

One specific gene, SETD, is in charge of neurodevelopment and associated behaviors. The gene has been identified in other studies in influencing early development; thus, the gene has become a top candidate for ASD.

Scientists might have verified SETD's role in ASD by using a unique mouse model in a recent study. They have documented the gene driving epigenetically unusual neurodevelopment that leads to behavioral deficits commonly seen in ASD. Findings are published in Translational Psychiatry, in its January issue.

No One Should Feel Forced To Live A Lifetime With Autism

Are You Satisfied with Only Treating Autistic Symptoms?

Can Autistic Kids have No Symptoms of Autism at First?

It's quite possible for autistic kids not to show symptoms of autism in the beginning. Sometimes infants show signs of autism, sometimes they don't. You may notice the following symptoms in your child: Social activities such as talking, sharing, and playing do not interest him/her. S/he likes to be alone. S/he avoids physical contact. S/he avoids eye contact. If s/he's upset, s/he does not want to be comforted. S/he doesn't comprehend emotions, including his/her own. S/he might not extend his/her arms to be guided. Delayed language and speech skills. Monotonous speaking voice. Repeats the same phrases several times. Difficulty with pronouns. Usually never uses gestures like waving and rarely responding to them. Problem with staying on any subject while speaking and replying to questions. Inability to understand jokes and sarcasm. Inability to respond to his/her name. These are only a few signs that you may see in your child, but if you notice them ...

Are You Satisfied with Only Treating Autistic Symptoms?

They Say There's No Cure Everyone--CDC, medical establishment, supportive autism organizations, and the best and brightest researchers--are all screaming in one voice: there is no cure for autism! Do you believe them? Top 8 Therapies for Autism According to Autism Speaks, these therapies below worked most effectively for autistic children, based on reports from 8000 parents. 1) Occupational Therapy: 39% 2) Speech Therapy: 27% 3) ABA Therapy: 15% 4) Social Skills Classes: 8% 5) Hippotherapy: ...

Lovastatin Cures Autism?

The effects of Lovastatin, according to a new study, suggests the drug is a promising treatment for anyone with autism and fragile X syndrome. The syndrome seemed to be a major cause of "inherited intellectual disability"; one in three individuals with fragile X have also autism. The study goes on to add that the drug can help ease fragile X symptoms. Lovastatin has demonstrated to prevent seizures in mouse models of the condition. And coupled with an antibiotic, the drug could ease social withdrawal as well as hyperactivity in individuals with fragile X. The new study also suggests the drug eases cognitive issues and the effects are permanent. Peter Kind, lead researcher and professor of developmental neuroscience at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland, says: "You may not have to treat throughout life, if you can rescue during development;, then you may be able to remove the drug." No One Should Feel Forced To Live A Lifetime With Autism Are...

Curing Autism with Diet

According to voices of authority in the medical world, there's no cure for autism. Autism makes children picky eaters and they make break down fat differently. Consequently, autistic kids are often running low in specific nutrients. Multivitamins have shown to improve sleep and digestive issues in autistic children. Beware that a multivitamin with iron can provoke digestive problems. Vitamin 6 and magnesium supplements have been identified in improving autistic children's behavior. However, more research is required for these supplements. Omega-3 fats might help autistic children with hyperactivity, for many of them are usually low in this fat. The Gluten-free and Casein-free Diet is free of gluten and casein. Gluten is the chief protein in wheat and other grains like rye, kamut, triticale, spelt, and barely. Casein is the central protein in dairy products like yogurt, milk, ice cream, and cheese. This diet can help improve autistic children's be...

Cocaine Cures Autism?

Researchers have found that addiction among autistic individuals is rare. A newer study in Sweden suggests people with autism of average or higher IQ seemed doubly more likely to get addicted to drugs or alcohol as their friends are. The danger is greater for those who have ADHD. In a study published in the journal Neuron, researchers from 3 US universities looked into the role that a certain brain protein, known as FMRP, acts in preparing the stage for developing addiction for cocaine. This same protein has played a role in the development of autism spectrum disorder. Alcohol and most drugs of abuse share one thing: they alter the chemical balance in a part of the brain where intense sensation is produced. Though researchers do not suggest a link between autism and cocaine addiction, they do indicate the two may stem from the actions of one protein, for FMRP is playing a role in cocaine addiction, if it's at normal levels in the brain; it plays a similar part in the develop...

Is Autism Curable?

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