The Role Of Environmental Factors On The Development Of...

Focusing on the role of environmental factors in the development of autism after birth is a popular study amongst the autism spectrum disorder (ASD) community. It is known that genetics strongly influence the risk for developing ASD, but genetics are not responsible alone. The increasing cases of autism have generated great interest in the potential involvement of toxins in our environment and how that impacts children prone to autism spectrum disorder. For example, exposure to the chemicals thalidomide and valproic acid prior to birth has been linked to increased risk of autism. Autism Speaks has come out with two requests for application, referred to as RFA’s, focusing on environmental epidemiology studies and gene-environment interactions. The Environmental Epidemiology of Autism Research Network (EEARN) is a collaboration of both Autism Speaks and the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, aimed at supporting the research at autism risks. Define â€Å"Environmental Factors† While genes play a role in the development or triggering of autism, they do not occupy the entire picture. Many other factors, termed as â€Å"environmental factors†, also play a significant role in the early development of autism. What the term â€Å"environmental† includes may be debatable. What falls into the category of environmental factors must be identified in order to prevent misleading pretenses. Throughout the research of autism, the word â€Å"environmental† refers to any influence beyondShow MoreRelatedCommon Chromosomal Abnormalities Associated With Autism1434 Words   |  6 PagesFive other gene disorder that contributes to autism are (1) EN2 (Engrailed 2) involved in cerebellum development. (2) GABR (Gamma Amino Butyric Acid Receptor) regulates brain cell migration. (3) OXTR (Oxytocin Receptor) participating in the response to stress and social skills. (4) RELN (Reelin) involved in neuronal migration in the developing brain. (5) SLC6A4, a serotonin transporter gene† (Johnson, Giarelli, Lewis, Rice, 2013). As a result of all the researches done several chromosomal lociRead MoreAutism Refers To A Neuron Developmental Condition, Which1569 Words   |  7 PagesAutism refers to a neuron developmental condition, which impedes the normal child’s growth and progress within a social setting. According to Tzanakaki et al., â€Å"an autistic individual finds it challenging to interact with other people and cannot relate to societal norms ably† (63). Health practitioners believe that failure of neuron synaptic networks in the brain to develop in a normal way owing to chromosomal deficiency causes autism. The symptoms and signs of autism become visible right from infancyRead MoreVaccines Cause Autism Essay1360 Words   |  6 Pagesvaccines cause autism, however, there is no evidence that Measles, Mumps, Rubella vaccination is associated to autism. Parental age and pregnan cy complications have been the most studied risk factors for ASD especially low birth weight and prematurity. Three of five studies have found low birth weight to have a significant association with autism spectrum disorder. Mothers aged 35 years and older and fathers aged 40 to 49 years have also found significant associations with autism. Pregnancy complicationsRead MoreNature Vs Nurture Theory Essay828 Words   |  4 Pagesparents that David is an ideal candidate for altering his physical appearance and existing sexual characteristics. The doctor was supporting his nurture theory. The doctor believed that the environment in which the David is raised significantly play a role to change David’s identity or behavior. Q) Did David’s experiences support the nature or nurture theory? Explain your answer. The term nature is referred as heredity and the term nurture is referred as the environment. The David’s experiences supportRead MoreAutism Spectrum Disorder ( Asd )1280 Words   |  6 PagesComposition 1 Autism Spectrum Disorder â€Å"Autism is a neurological disorder. It s not caused by bad parenting. It s caused by an abnormal development in the brain. The emotional circuits in the brain are abnormal. And there also are differences in the white matter, which is the brain s computer cables that hook up the different brain departments† â€Å"Temple Grandi†BrainyQuote.com. Xplore Inc, 2015. 30 April 2015. http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/t/templegran451380.html. Autism Spectrum DisorderRead MoreAutism Spectrum Disorder1493 Words   |  6 Pagesnot only by environmental factors but also by genetic inheritability. This disorder can range from mild to severe and is shown in many different forms. Symptoms include speech impairment, disorganized language; sensory processing disorder which causes absent responses, sleep disorders, depression and anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder and many more. Diagnosing autism does not include medical test but instead a team of physiologists and physic ians observe the child during an autism-specific behaviorRead MoreIs Autism a Primarily Genetic Disease?1448 Words   |  6 Pagesunderstood. Given the recent boom in imaging technology and other diagnostic methods, it is now possible to see more clearly into the scope of neurological development and accurately determine the etiology of these diseases. One of such disorders is Autism; a multifactorial condition impairing normal brain development. It affects many aspects of development, including social behavior, cognitive ability and communication skills1 and is commonly diagnosed in children before the age of three1. The symptomsRead MoreTheory of Mind and Executive Function 858 Words   |  3 Pagesfuture-oriented behavior, especially in novel circumstances† (Pellicano, 2007, p. 974). The executive function is involved in many aspects of development, including working memory, the ability to plan effectively, and flexibility in focusing one’s attention to different p eople and objects. In a young child’s development, EF and ToM play a significant role. There are contradicting theories about which aspect affects the other, but it appears that the general belief is that together, they have an affectRead MoreThe Link Between Autism And Autism1580 Words   |  7 PagesIntroduction There have been several controversies regarding the cause of autism over the years. For example, the main cause was assumed by some to be bad parenting. Today, however, there is general agreement that the symptoms of autism, with the exception of those of abandoned children, are a behavioral response by young children to an organic disease affecting their brains. In fact, it is now generally understood that autism is a complex developmental syndrome representing a heterogeneous group ofRead MoreAutism Spectrum Disorder ( Asd )909 Words   |  4 PagesAutism spectrum disorder (ASD) refers to a group of neurodevelopmental disorders that is characterized by abnormalities relating to social, behavioral, cognitive and language skills. The genetic architecture of ASD is comprised of a variety of rare mutations. These mutations include monogenic conditions involving autistic symptoms. Furthermore, single nucleotide variants and de novo copy number variants add to disease susceptibility. Inherited Factors Related to ASDs Autosomal recessive loci are