There are many misunderstandings and myths surrounding autism, but it is worth learning the facts about this developmental disorder. It is an ongoing condition that requires a lifetime of care and attention. The puzzle ribbon is the universal symbol of autism awareness. As the world learns more about the disorder, more people are being educated about it. Fortunately, there are many resources available to help families and teachers understand and cope with the challenges that the condition can cause.
Rett syndrome affects girls
The symptoms of Rett syndrome are often subtle at first, making them easy to miss. They include decreased eye contact, a reduced interest in toys, and delay in sitting up or crawling. However, as the child grows older, the symptoms may become more severe and they may begin to exhibit seizures. In addition, some children with the condition may also show signs of scoliosis, muscle weakness, and a decreased range of motion in their joints.
The mutation causing Rett syndrome in girls is a mutation in the MECP2 gene. Boys are affected by the same mutation, but don’t display any clinical features of the syndrome when they’re first born. However, a small percentage of boys may also have a different mutation, causing them to display neurologic defects.
Autism is a lifelong condition
Autism is a neurological condition that affects how people perceive the world. People with autism tend to be hypersensitive to certain stimuli, resulting in sensory overload, which can lead to confusion and overwhelming experiences. Fortunately, most people with autism can learn to adjust to the challenges of their condition and make progress in learning and living independently.
About one-quarter of autistic children are nonverbal. In addition, half of them do not develop strong linguistic skills. Autism is a spectrum disorder and includes Asperger’s syndrome and childhood disintegrative disorder.
It is caused by lack of parental warmth
One theory suggests that autism is caused by lack of parental warmth. It was first put forward by psychologist Bruno Bettelheim, who championed the theory in the 1950s. The theory posited that autistic children are the result of emotionally distant, cold, and rejecting mothers. It was widely accepted and went largely unchallenged for decades.
However, the findings are not conclusive. The study was cross-sectional in nature and therefore does not prove a definitive link between autism and parental warmth. Since the study’s participants provided information about their own families, recall bias and other factors could influence the results. It may also have missed some important factors, such as differences in regulatory systems.
It is a genetic condition
Genetic studies have identified hundreds of genes that have been associated with autism. These genes can explain as much as 10% to 20% of autism cases. These genes affect the epigenetic landscape of the genome. They can either be duplicated or deleted, causing the DNA to be altered in one or more ways. Some of these genes are common, while others have been discovered only recently. Autism is associated with higher levels of copy number variations.
While many people believe that autism is hereditary, there is no single gene that is directly responsible for autism. Researchers focus on sporadic mutations that disrupt a large portion of protein-coding genes. While these mutations may cause autism, they are relatively uncommon and do not appear to be the major cause.
It isn’t a weakness
Many people think of autism as a weakness, but the reality is that people with autism are not weak. Instead, they have exceptional strengths and are able to excel in a variety of areas, including math, arts, and science. In addition, people with autism are often strong learners and can remember specific details for extended periods of time.
