What is the cause of autism?
Sarah Marckstadt
Autism
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What is autism?
The history of autism.
Statistics
Biological concepts
Frontier issues
What is autism?
Autism is a mental disorder
characterized by
 Abnormal behavior such as
withdrawal
 Development problems
socially, emotionally,
linguistically
 Appear lost in fantasy
 Very unresponsive to
physical and verbal
communication
The History
 In 1943 Dr. Leo Kanner
first describes autism as a
distinct condition.
 In 1977 Sir Michael Rutter
and Dr. Susan Folstein
publish the first autism
twin study, revealing
evidence for a genetic
basis for autism.
 1977-1978 Drs. Rutter and
Schopler further their
studies in defining signs
and symptoms of autism.
The History
 1988-1991 Many studies related to Autism and
genetic connection.
 1992 The American Psychiatric Association refines
the diagnostic criteria for Autism.
 1997 The first report with evidence linking
chromosome 15q for Autistic disorder.
 1998 Genetic linkage from chromosome 7q to
Autistic disorder and the first genomic screen -IMGSAC.
 1999-2001 During this time evidence was found in
genomic regions that have possible genes that are
associated with autism.
Statistics
U.S. number of school cases 1992-2003
180000
160000
140000
120000
100000
80000
60000
40000
20000
0
Ages 6-22
Ages 3-22
92
94
96
98
2000
2002
Autism in the US
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 Autism is rising
rapidly in the U.S.
 It cost the economy
roughly $30,000$65,000 each year for
every autistic child.
 Second most common
developmental
disability in kids.
Autism in California
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 According to the
state of Ca this is
the fastest growing
developmental
disability group.
 1998-2002 there
was a 96.69%
increase in
reported cases.
Sex Linked?
 Autism is three to four
time more prevalent in
males than females.
 Girls who have autism
usually have greater
cognitive impairment
as well as more sever
symptoms.
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Biological Concepts
 Expert say that at least two
genes and up to fifteen
genes are involved with
autism development.
 Autism genes maybe
located on the second,
third, seventh, fifteenth
and”x” chromosome.
 Unsure if act
independently or with each
other
 In 2003 Duke University
found a link from GARB#
gene to autism.
Biological Concepts
 Chromosome 2 maybe linked to delayed speech.
 Chromosome 3 possesses a gene that produces a
protein that interacts with GABA. If the GABA is
not functioning properly it may cause autistic
behaviors.
 Chromosome 7 is associated with many functions
speech, language, cell fate, nervous system in fetus
and adults, and development of the brain.
 Chromosome 15 has three GABA receptor genes.
 Chromosome X may be involved with social
interaction.
Biological Concepts
Vaccines
 Many believe that the
MMR vaccine which
contains mercury and
Thimerosal-Containing
vaccines may be linked to
autism.
 Vaccine for Measles
mumps and rubella.
 IOM claims that the
vaccines are not associated
with Autism.
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Biological Concepts
Vaccines
 One hypothesis is that MMR may lodge in the
intestine to cause a over release of toxins connected
to autism.
 Thimersoal may cause autism with “folatedependant methylation by methionine synthases”
 This happens when the synthesis of active vitamin
B12 is blocked.
 In recent years the amount of mercury and
thimersoal in vaccines have been greatly reduced.
Biological Concepts
 More studies by the CDC
were started and should be
released in 2006.
 Currently there is no
evidence that MMR or any
other type of vaccine
causes Autism, or
development of autism..
 The studies done have all
been concluded as
theoretical.
Treatment
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 There are many different
approaches to treat autism.
 Psychosocial and
pharmacological
treatments.
 Psychosocial treatments
can be very intense with
behavior and speech
therapy.
 ABA-Applied Behavior
Analysis, a system which
is based on rewards as
positive reinforcement.
Treatment
 Floortime treatment is less
intense, children and
teacher play on the floor
while learning language.
 Detoxification or chelation
therapy is used to rid a
child’s body of metals such
as mercury that are used in
vaccines
 Other parents chose to use
diet or vitamin therapy,
music and vision therapy,
as well as yoga and
horseback riding to
improve motor skills.
Bibliography
 "A Look At the Genetics of Autism." Exploring Autism. 2002.
National Alliance of Autism Research. 05 Mar. 2006
<www.exploringautism.org>.
 "Autism." Duke Center for Human Genetics. 2005. Duke
university medical center. 06 Mar. 2006 <www.chg.duke.edu>.
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California. California health and human services agency. department of
developmental services. Autistic Spectrum Disorders. Apr. 2003. 02 Mar.
2006 <www.dds.ca.gov>.
 "FAQ About MMR Vaccines and Autism." Center for Disease
Control and Prevention. 07 Sept. 2005. Department of health and
human services. 05 Mar. 2006 <www.cdc.gov>.
 "Fighting Autism, Research, Education, Treatment." Fighting
Autism. 04 Mar. 2006 <www.fightingautism.org>.
 Masland, Molly. "Autism the Hidden Epidemic?" MSN. 23 Feb.
2005. 02 Apr. 2006 <www.msnbc.msn.com>.
Bibliography
 "MMR Vaccine and Thimerosal-Containing Vaccines are Not
Associated with Autism, IOM Report Says." The National
Academies. 18 May 2004. 05 Mar. 2006 <www4.nas.edu>.
 Mosby’s Medical Dictionary. St. Louis: Mosby, 7th ed., c2006.
 Professional Guide To Diseases. Pennsylvania: Springhouse, 7th
edition, 2001.
 "Rep. Burton Holds Hearing on Mercury and Autism." Autism
Society of America. 14 Sept. 2004. 06 Mar. 2006 <www.autismsociety.org>.
 "Unraveling Autism." National Institute of Mental Health. 17 Feb.
2006. national institutes o0f health. 04 Mar. 2006
<www.nimh.nih.gov>.
Bibliography-Photo
 Autistic Society of America. “Awearness Ribbon” Illustration. Run
for Autism. Joe Zwiller. 15 Mar 2006.<me.earthlink.net/
~jjzwiller/run4autism/>.
 Brilliant Content. “Child, DNA.” illustration. 2002.Genetic
Overview. National Alliance for Autism Research. 04 Mar 2006
<www.exploringautism.org>.
 California Health and Human Services Agency. “Rate Increase of
Autism Ca.” graph. April 2003. Autistic Spectrum Disorders.
California Health and Human Services Agency. 02
Mar 2006. <www.dds.ca.gov>.
 Center for Disease and Control. “Increase in Autism.” graph.
Fighting Autism. 04 Mar. 2006 <www.fightingautism.org>.
 Google Labs. “Brain.” illustration. Dec 2004. Cognitive and
Learning Impairments. Natacha Poggio. March 6 2006.
<www.ices.utexas.edu>.
Bibliography-Photo
 Interior Health. “Child Receiving Vaccine.” Photo. 25 Jan 2006.
Protect those you love with a timely ounce of prevention. Interior
Health Authority. 05 Mar. 2006. <www.interiorhealth.ca>.
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John Hopkins Public Health. “Leo Kanner.” Photo. Brain Storm. John
Hopkins Public Health. March 12 2006.
<http://www.jhsph.edu/publichealthnews/magazine/archive/Mag_Fall04/b
rainstorm/>.
MedGadget Internet Journal. “XY chromosome.” photo. 12 Sep 2005. Y
May Not Die. Medgadget. 06 Mar 2006. <www.medgadget.com>.
Paul Thiessen. “Gem-DNA.” Illustration. 1/6/2004. DNA Graphics
Created with PovChem. Paul Thiessen 4/10/2006.
<www.chemicalgraphics.com>.
The Epoch Times. “Horse Therapy.” photo. 2005. The Epoch Times
International 09 Apr. 2006 <www.theepochtimes.com>.
Tony Fiorini. “Autistic.”photo. Tony Fiorini photo journalist. Tony Fiorini.
April 12 2006. <www.tonyfiorini.com/ pj/stories_main.html>.