Genetic Causes of Autism

Autism is a condition where children have social interaction and communication difficulties. They have severe problems expressing themselves verbally or non-verbally to others.

They mostly keep to themselves, not speaking, or having interaction with another child or individual whether for leisure or playing games.

Autism is commonly observed within the first three years of a child's life.

Recent studies have shown autism could be a genetic problem. Generally, it has been accepted autism is caused by brain abnormalities and malfunctions.

This theory is now being evaluated and finalized as one of the possible reasons a child or individual could be autistic. Experts have outlined several points to back- up the theory which they formulated based on their research.

It has been noted with identical twins, it is likely that if one child is going to develop autism, the other twin will also develop autism.

Although the percentage ratio among research groups varies comparatively, they all agree the likelihood of this theory being correct is within 50% to 90%.

The odds rely on the variables like environment where the children are raised, especially if they are apart during childhood, and of course how they are individually raised in their early years.

There is another theory on autism which is called ‘one-gene causing autism theory’. This states there is a particular gene present in an individual which is the main reason why they develop autism. This theory is not yet fully proved. Researchers have not seen a single cell or gene to date that has the capability to trigger autism by itself.

Consequently, it is also thought there is a need for multiple genes present before autism to occur. This is the exact opposite of the theory above. Here, several genes are considered.

An example is, in the thirty genes that could cause autism, an individual acquiring any five or more of which would be likely to develop. It is believed in this case that a cluster of genes could cause severe disruptions in the brain, making autism evident.

The most celebrated cause of the genetically caused autism is the discovery of the presence of a gene expression or a gene marker. This theory means the structure of the genes is altered, therefore causing autism.

Small alterations in the genetic code which could possibly be reverberation in the protein structure is thought to be the main cause of autism development in children and individuals.

Gene stresses are being studied as to how these alterations come about. The DNA sequence of an autistic child could still be intact, unlike the already proven genetic-related disorder like Downer’s Syndrome.  Accordingly, this alteration in the genes can be inherited. It is also thought the metal content of the food we eat could contribute to it.

There are a few other explanations and theories linking the cause of autism to genes. There seems to be a pattern of autism occurrences within families affected by the defect which is why the genetic theory is being considered.

Scientists continuously looking into different causes of autism to discover a cure and understand the individuals with autistic problems.

As "normal" individuals we should take on the challenge do whatever we can to support and uphold an autistic person's recovery and improvement, which may lead to an improvement in their condition