Causes and Risk Factors
If you Google ‘Causes of Autism’, you’ll get 145,000,000 hits in a matter of mere seconds. To state that this is a hot topic is an understatement. Are we born with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)? Is ASD linked to a chemical imbalance in the brain? A leaky gut? Are measles, vaccines, or pesticides the culprit? ASD is a complex condition and the exact causes are still unknown. There are suspected risk factors. It is likely that it is multifactoral – that is, a combination of abnormalities in gene function and structure wherein the environment play a role in cause.
- Watch the entire Wendy Chung TEDTalk
https://www.ted.com/talks/wendy_chung_autism_what_we_know_and_what_we_don_t_know_yet?referrer=playlist-the_autism_spectrum (Links to an external site.) - Discuss what you know about the risk factors or contributors to ASD (based in science, not pseudoscience). Make reference to both genetic and environmental risk factors that have been cited.
- Do a search online to find information about the myths surrounding causes of ASD. What myths did you find? List them and explain the thinking behind the myths.
- Which myths are referenced frequently from internet site to site?
- How would you propose debunking those myths for laypeople (i.e., those who are not trained, qualified, or experienced in this particular subject or activity)?
Screening and Diagnostic Assessment
Your e-book and lecture PPTs outline the standard ways to screen and assess children who present red flags for an ASD diagnosis. The evaluation process likely includes multiple visits with various professionals, multiple forms, observations, and testing.
- Write a letter (hypothetically you are coordinating care at a medical facility) to parents who have concerns that their child is at risk for an ASD diagnosis. In the letter, outline what the parents should expect in terms of the screening and assessment process. What professionals will the child and the parents likely come into contact with? How many times will they visit? What should they prepare, if anything? What forms might the parent complete? What assessments might the child and/or parent undergo during a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation? Try to be specific in your write-up.
- At the end of the letter provide words of encouragement to the parents and give your best tips for getting through this challenging time. Think about what it might be like to also do this in the time of the pandemic.
- Finally, (a) provide the parent(s) with 1-2 credible links (include them in your post) that will give them more and accurate information about the ASD diagnostic process, and (b) explain WHY you think these websites are great resources. The websites should be a credible source; while personal blogs and self-advocacy non-for-profit (or even for profit 501(c)(3)) groups can definitely be resourceful and informative, we want to rely on the science and rigor of science when you choose you links.
Prevalence Rates
Recent statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that rates of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in the Unites States are now 1 in 54 children (in 2008 the prevalence rate was 1 in 88, as a comparison). The continuous and steady rise has sparked fear of an actual ASD “epidemic”.
It’s important because we need to know how many children have ASD to prepare our communities and services systems. According to epidemiologists like Li-Ching Lee at Johns Hopkins University (March, 2020), an ongoing and accurate estimate will help to develop realistic plans to support these children now, and later into their adolescence and adulthood.
- Is ASD “truly” on the rise (i.e., there are simply more and more cases each year), OR do the new statistics reflect the growing awareness of the condition, the expanded definition, better detection, and other factors like policy changes such as recommended screening and treatment? Or perhaps it is both?
- What do YOU suspect has contributed to the increase in rates over the last 3 decades (I’ve listed a few possibilities above, but please explain your own ideas or further expand the above noted factors)?
Discuss 3 points from the articles you read this week (one point from Lord et al., one point from Kanner, and one point from Wing). You may use my PowerPoints and YouTube lectures to draw information from, as well as make links from Volkmar’s Chapter 1. There are no right or wrong answers as to what you choose to discuss. Just be sure there is insight and reflection. I want you to think deeply about all aspects of the area of ASD (read Lord et al.’s overview) as well as its deep-rooted history.
- What struck you as interesting, novel, or intriguing and why?
- What was it about the author’s points that were so compelling?
- After all your readings and lectures this week, what would you tell a friend or family member who knows very little about ASD? What should everyday folks know about ASD?
***Make sure to cite everything**
Use the following websites to help with your research: (Readings)
https://mchatscreen.com/m-chat/
https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/screening.html#:…
org/sections/health-shots/2019/03/04/699997613/a-large-study-provides-more-evidence-that-mmr-vaccines-dont-cause-autism”>https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2019/03/…
https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/index.html
https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/data/index.html
https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/addm-community-r…
https://www.autismspeaks.org/autism-statistics-asd
org/living-with-autism/autism-and-your-family/”>https://www.autism-society.org/living-with-autism/…
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