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"What causes Autism?" is a question every doctor hears, when they tell a parent their child is Autistic.
There is no one definite answer to this question. There are several theories on what causes Autism.
Some of the causes of Autism are thought to be genetic. Doctors suspect that there are several genes that
induce Autism, but they have yet to be located. Still they feel that some people are born with a
predisposition to be Autistic. Children in this category then encounter some kind of environmental trigger
and they become
Autistic.
Statistics on this disease indicate that Autism is more common in boys than in girls.
Some studies show a
connection to environmental factors and Autism. Many scientists think that pollution and toxins in the
air can contribute to a child having Autism. Studies have revealed that small towns with high cases of
Autism have one thing in common, a local pollution source. Usually this source is a factory of some
sort that routinely releases a high concentration of toxins and chemicals into the atmosphere.
A majority of people believe Autism can be caused by the Mercury, or Thimersal (ethyl mercury) contained
in early vaccinations. This belief maybe due to the fact that Doctors began diagnosing Autism in earnest
about the same time as widespread early child vaccinations began.
There have been a variety of studies conducted concerning the relationship between vaccines and
children becoming Autistic. As of the writing of this article, there has been no evidence to support the
connection between
vaccinating your child and Autism.
Yet many parents are weighing the risks for their children to not be given the vaccinations,
as they remain concerned about this possiblity of "Mercury poisoning." Note that more and more vaccines
for children do not contain Thermisal or the trace amounts of mercury
in these shots have been reduced. So requesting vaccines that do not contain Thimersal is a viable
option. Certainly you should check with your Doctor about the health risks associated
with any shots or medications given to your children.
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there is new research out for people with Autism that has helped dozens of children reverse the effects
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General concern about Mercury contamination and Autism needs to be maintained. Researchers have shown
that children who are exposed to high levels of Mercury are more likely to
develop Autism. High levels of Mercury can be contributed to eating a lot of fish and/or exposure to
industrial emissions. Coal burning power plants release Mercury into the air, for example.
Scientists also think there could be a
connection between pregnant women being exposed to Mercury and their children having Autism. One possible
source for Mercury in pregnant women is the amalgam silver used to fill cavities by dentist. These metal
fillings contain Mercury
that could leach out into the rest of the body, entering the woman's bloodstream and thus reaching the unborn
child. It may be prudent to have any such fillings replaced with other materials before getting pregnant.
There are new, ongoing
studies that are testing pregnant women to see how much Mercury is in their systems. And then
testing the babies
at birth for their Mercury levels. Babies with high Mercury levels will then be monitored over the years,
to see if they develop Autism or any other unusual health problems.
There are other possible causes of Autism.
Another theory is that Autism is due to an underlying health issue. Certain diseases make a child more
likely to become Autistic. Some of these diseases include Fragile X syndrome, a genetic disorder where a
gene that makes an important protein is turned off. The results are retardation and sometimes Autism. In fact,
it is now thought that between 2% and 6% of all children diagnosed with Autism, the cause is the
Fragile X gene mutation.
Another suspected
source of Autism is congenital Rubella. Congenital rubella syndrome occurs when a pregnant women catches
the Rubella virus (German Measles) in the earlier stages of her pregnancy and the fetus also contracts
Rubella in the womb.
A variety of serious medical conditions may result from this exposure for the child including Autism.
Others believe Autism is caused by a metabolic imbalance.
Exploding a Myth: It was once thought that Autism was caused by an early emotional trauma.
Many experts also thought bad parenting was to blame. Doctors tried to blame mothers for not giving their
children enough attention and love. These theories have been found untrue.
Much more research is needed to
identify the true cause or, more likely, multiple causes of Autism. As more definitive answers are found
as to what causes a child to be Autistic, new treatments to prevent and cure Autism will arise.
Remember though, the possible causes in this article are just theories, your individual observations
and feedback on your Autistic child are valid and useful. Much can NOW be done to improve the condition
of an Autistic child towards leading a normal and amazing life.
About the Author: Scott Harker is the publisher of several websites including:
Sherlock Holmes Pastiches,
Harvest The Sun | Renewable Energy,
Coin Collector's Dream,
Dieting Help | Move More - Eat Less, and
On The Hook | Fishing Supplies.
News about The Causes of Autism
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Emotional wreck? Blame the brainTimes of India... at the amygdala region of the brain to explain emotional disturbances associated with Fragile X Syndrome that can cause autism and mental retardation. ...and more » |
Newsweek |
Autism in the SpotlightNewsweekAutism is another one of Hollywood's chosen causes. The condition has inspired exceptional acting (Dustin Hoffman in Rain Man) and persistent debates (Jenny ...and more » |
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Don't blame MomNorthJersey.comRimland, founder of the Autism Society of America and pioneer in the field of autism research, helped identify several possible environmental causes. ...and more » |
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