About Autism diagnoses are based on observation of symptoms, not on the results of a medical test. Because of the nature of the diagnosis, it is difficult to determine when autism develops. Prevalence and incidence of autism, then, can be tricky to define; pinpointing a specific date of onset is not possible. Ongoing research is helping to obtain earlier diagnoses, however.
While autism is usually diagnosed before age 3, treatment and interventions for autism do not have a definitive endpoint. One cannot be “cured” of autism, but rather continually treated. Because of the ongoing nature of the disorder and the difficulty in pinning down a date of onset, continual research into the causes of and treatments for autism is mandatory if we want to effectively assist those affected by autism. Researchers are continually discovering more and more about the potential causes of autism, and this research helps to shape treatments and interventions for those affected by it.
Research into potential causes of autism have uncovered connections between low birth weight, delivery before 35 weeks, low Apgar scores (scores used to evaluate a baby’s health at 5 minutes after birth), and breech presentation at birth and an increased risk of autism.
Research into the genetic component of autism has uncovered gene development that is potentially responsible for the development of autism and a possible hereditary connection.
Further studies have linked a mother’s autoimmune system and incidents of maternal psychoses with an increased risk for autism as well as the connection between certain medical conditions and a susceptibility of autism.
Research has not developed a medical test that can rule out autism, but an increased awareness of the symptoms associated with autism has led to more effective diagnoses: the more parents know about the behaviors associated with autism, the more likely they are to seek evaluation and treatment.
Research and correlated increased public and professional awareness of autism has increased the chances of getting a prompt diagnosis and subsequent treatment of those affected by autism. This increased awareness has led to developments in more effective methods of teaching those affected by autism and in assisting them with managing the disorder.
Although research has been conducted regarding a possible link between childhood vaccines, particularly those containing the preservative thimerosal, and an increased risk in autism, no scientific evidence exists that show a causal connection between the two.
Research has also helped to start an important discussion within the public and professional communities that can help to understand, support, and treat those affected by autism.
Clearly, ongoing research is essential in order to understand the complexities of this disorder. With continual research into causation and treatment, earlier diagnoses and treatment will be possible.
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