The US government released a new data this week showing that autism rates among American children reached a record height in 2022.
Autism is a neurological and developmental condition marked by disruptions in the signs of the brain, which causes people to behave, communicate, interact, and learn from etipical methods.
Automomatic diagnosis in the United States has increased considerably since 2000, intensifying public anxiety that can contribute to its spread. Here is what you need to know.
How is autism diagnosed?
There are no purpose equipment for autism spectrum disorder (ASD), medical names for autism, such as blood tests or brain scans. Instead, diagnoses are made on the basis of observation and interview.
The word spectrum reflects a wide range of potential manifestations. Some people with ASD may have good conversation skills, while others may be nervous. Some may be very sensitive to sounds, touch, or others. Some may have restricted or repetitive behavior or interest. Some may require help with daily life, while others require very little or no support.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommended screening of all children for autism in 18 and 24 months, when most children will begin to show symptoms. Nevertheless, the average age of diagnosis is around 4 years in the US and 5 years globally.
How common is autism?
As of 2022, 8 -year -old children had 1, or 3.2% in the US autism rate 31, or 2.77% in 2020, 2.27% in 2018 and more than 0.66% in 2000, according to the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention. A 2021 study in England increased the rate of children above 1.57% in 2009 to 1.76%.
The World Health Organization has estimated the circulation of worldwide in 2012, above 0.62%, 1% of children, with warnings that many countries have a lack of resources to identify cases and report them.
What is the reason for autism?
The reasons for autism are not clear. There is widespread speculation among scientists that its neurological characteristics may develop in the uterus, when the fetal brain is being wired. Studies have added autism to maternal factors in pregnancy, and some research suggest birth complications and a link for time.
Genetic factors are responsible for around 80% of risk for developing autism, the research suggests. An increased area of investigation focuses on epigenetics – interaction between genetic and environmental factors. A theory suggests that a woman’s contact for air pollution or harmful contaminants before or during pregnancy can trigger a genetic mutation for autism in her child.
The gene variation in some people with autism strengthens evidence for a genetic component. Genetic disorders associated with high risks for autism include delicate X syndrome, tuberculosis sclerosis complex, phelan-macdermid syndrome and predar-vily syndrome.
Other possible risk factors may include very low birth weight, jaundice as a newborn, complications in the uterus or during birth, unhealthy classification of intestinal organisms, a brother with immune system disorders, a brothers with autonomous, and a mother -father’s factors such as age, obesity and a hostile classification.
US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy JR and other public figures have promoted a theory contrary to scientific evidence, that childhood vaccines are a reason for autism. The idea stems from a one-to-the-to-time study of British researcher Andrew Wakefield in the late 1990s, which is associated with an increase in autism, diagnosed with widespread use of measles vaccine.
Any harsh studies have not found relationships between autism and vaccines or medicines, or their components such as thimerosal or formaldehyde. The rate of vaccination has declined as autism rates have increased.
Why is the autism rate increasing?
Researchers have diagnosed an increase in large scale autism for more comprehensive screening and include a wide range of behavior to describe the condition. Historically, the definition of autism included moderate to severe intellectual disabilities. Today, doctors believe that the most serious form is responsible for only 25% of cases.
In 2013, mental health experts jointly made three separate diagnoses – autistic disorder, Asperger disorder and comprehensive developmental disorders – under the umbrella of autism spectrum disorder.
In October 2024, data from US insurance claims found that there was the greatest increase in diagnosis, which were in groups with low screening rates in the past, including young adults, women and children from some racial or ethnic minority groups.
Researchers have also noted that some risk factors have become more normal, such as premature or large parents.
The CDC has reported that the diagnosis of more severe forms of the disorder, known as intensive autism, has not dramatically increased as non-profile rates of autism, the CDC has reported.
Kennedy said without scientific evidence that environmental factors are blamed for the increasing prevalence of autism and is planning to study to identify them.
What are the treatment?
There is no treatment or treatment for autism, nor can it be reversed. However, experts agree that initial diagnosis is important. Intervention with supportive measures – ideally before the age of three – is important for cognitive, social and communication skills improve.
Such measures may include speech therapy, vocational therapy, social skill training, sensory integration therapy, visual AIDS, structured routine, personal education scheme, family medicine and providing a calm and approximate environment.
